Living In Between – What We Can Learn from Mary

“Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfilment of those things which were told her from the Lord.” – Luke 1:45 

Transition is a season, just like Spring and Autumn are. They are each full of colour and the transition season is full of colour and beauty in unexpected ways.  I used to think of transition, as just the beginning of something new, It was starting something and meaning something was ending. I thought of transition as the new “thing” and starting that, but it’s not just that. It isn’t just the end and the beginning, it’s the time inbetween the end and the beginning. Transition is a season itself. Like many others in the bible, Mary, the Mother of Jesus had a significant transition season and I think there is so much to be learnt from her.

“Transition isn’t just the end and the beginning of something, it’s the time inbetween the end and the beginning. Transition is a season.”

Being in transition isn’t waiting for a season to begin or to end, it’s a season itself. Spring and Autumn are both transition seasons, they are seasons that prepare for the new season. Spring brings life, leaves  and flowers for the warmth of Summer to be completely enjoyed. Autumn is to purge the life of the old season to make space for new life. It is to clear the old leaves, so the trees don’t die In the cold. It looks like death but results in life. Seasons are God’s design, transition is a part of God’s design. Transition isn’t the end of winter and the beginning of summer. Transition is a season itself, transition is Spring or maybe it’s Autumn. Both are beautiful though. Don’t miss the season you are in, waiting for the next one to begin. Transition is a season.

As I know many people are, I am also in a season of transition. There’s pretty much a full spectrum of emotion. I will definitely be talking more about this over the next while so stay tuned. I’m very excited for this journey and to take you along with my process in it all.

During this time, I asked God who in the Bible went through a significant transition season and instantly God reminded me of Mary. Often we just think of Mary in the last few days, of her pregnancy with Jesus and the lead up to His birth. There’s a lot more than that though.

Mary went though Nine months of a significant transition season. She was told by the Angel that she would carry Jesus, the son of God. Mary was told her season had changed and yes her whole life changed in that moment, but did that mean she was going to give birth right then, no! That would have been extremely shocking. Of course not! She was given time to prepare, reflect and get ready. I so admire Mary, there’s so much we can learn from her journey. She simply belived and trusted God with everything during this time.

So if you are in a season of transition let this encourage you or if not, share it with your friends who are.

What we can learn from Mary in her season of transition:

– She was unsure of what the manner of the visit the Angel had with her.

“But when she saw Him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was.” – Luke 1:29 (NKJV)

It’s okay to have questions and be unsure, but don’t let that affect your heart and your decision to trust. She listened and didn’t dwell in doubt. Her heart trusted the words of God.

– She was told to not be afraid, so she listened.

“Do not be afraid Mary.” – Luke 1:31 (NKJV)

Don’t fear. It’s as simple as that. If God says something hold it to your heart, no matter how simple it seems. We don’t always need an incredible word, most of the time we need to receive words like, “don’t fear,” “just trust,” “have hope,” “have faith.” Don’t ignore it when you hear things like this just because it is familiar. These words are incredible vital to your season and experience.

– It was all because she had found favour with God.

” Rejoice, highly favoured one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women. ” – Luke 1:28 (NKJV)

It would have been easy to feel like that had nothing to do with it. She believed. She believed God’s goodness even in the discomfort of what the promise meant for her in that moment.
Discomfort does not equal being in the wrong place or wrong season, it probably means growth. You don’t see the whole picture, but He is bringing upgrades to your life in this time.

-Mary questioned Honestly, “how can this be?”

“Then Mary said to the Angel, how can this be?” – Luke 1:34

She believed what she was told and didn’t ask to find reason of why not. She asked because she was not afraid of being honest. Ask your honest questions to God, but don’t search for food for doubt.

– She reminded herself of what God had done for her and others in the past.

(The song of Mary – Luke 1:46-55 (NKJV)

Mary was given testimonies of what God is doing. She feasted on testimonies! The Angel said Elziabeth was pregnant so this confirmed that everything else was also true. She reminds herself of what God had done for her and others in the past.

Feast on testimonies, your own, others and testimony in the bible. Fill yourself with stories of what God has done, for it builds faith!

– Mary knew who she needed to be with. 

“Now indeed, your relative, Elizabeth has also conceived.” – Luke 1:36 (NKJV)

Mary knew who to talk to and who not to talk to.
In transition (always, but especially in transition) it’s important to give influence to the right voices, voices who will point you to God, to His promises, His goodness and not towards doubt. Seek pastoral advice! Ask God who you should be talking to and who you shouldn’t be talking to.

– Mary was reminded that nothing is impossible.

” For with God nothing will be impossible.” – Luke 1:37 (NKJV)

Don’t get stuck in logic and what you have seen before. Nothing is impossible, full stop.

– Mary said “let it be” according to your word.

“Let it be to me according to your word.” – Luke 1:38 (NKJV)

Mary received & surrendered.

Receive the promises of God, when you don’t know everything. Do you know God is good and His ways are the best? A huge part of transition into promise is actually receiving them and saying “let it be.” Surrender to His way and embrace the season.

– Mary visited Elizabeth.

“Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.” – Luke 1:39 (NKJV)

Mary knew practical steps of how to deal with her transition.

Ask God for something simple you can do that will help you.

– Elizabeth prophesied over Mary and confirmed the word.

“Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, blessed are you among woman, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” – Luke 1:42 (NKJV)

Read or listen to prophetic words you have been given in the past. It is so good for you and will fill you with confident peace.

– Mary worshipped!

“My soul magnifies the Lord.” – Luke 1:46 (NKJV)

Worship is vital to every season and to your whole life. Worship turns your eyes to Him. Turn your eyes to Jesus and feel His affirmation over you.

– She understood that not everyone would understand and she was gracious with them.

(As far as we know she didn’t try and convince Joseph, she let it be in the hands of God. This is even more extreme because her life depended on Joseph believing.)

Not everyone will understand always, don’t be mad at them, be full of grace. Just don’t be quick to give those people influence when it comes to what you are doing. Follow the prompting of Holy Spirit and the trusted voices confirming the word.

– She pondered things in her heart.

“But Mary kept all these things & pondered them in her heart” – Luke 2:19

She used the season to reflect and to prepare her heart.

Let your heart dream, record your thoughts, process with Jesus. Now is the time, this is a season to prepare you for the next one. Don’t waste it!

Mary was someone who simply believed what God said, she was honest, trusting, willing to receive, she feasted on testimony, she was full of simple faith. Mary was a worshipper, she understood seasons, but most of all she loved God. Let’s have a simple faith and trust like Mary in all seasons, especially in times of transition. Let’s believe His word and know how loved we are. Transition is a season and just like Spring and Autumn, it is a season full of colour, full of life and full of beauty.

Let’s embrace the season!