Devotion for Wednesday, September 9, 2026

“And Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her” (Luke 1:38).

Mary, the bondslave.  We are born in bondage to sin, and we move from sin to the Lord, yet, for this age, remain in bondage.  It is not a matter of choice in one sense, but of the reality that we are not our own person.  Perhaps this is the place of the real struggle.  The irreducible bottom line is that we want to be on our own.  But we belong either to the rebellion or the Lord.  If to the Lord, then learn obedience.

Lord, You know the struggles of humanity, and You have allowed this for Your own purpose.  Lead me so that I understand that being Your bondslave is the better portion.  Help me to realize that I need You and You have shown Your desire to have me be with You.  Aid me learn how to dwell in the peace that surpasses all understanding so that I may live into the life You are offering me by grace through faith.

Lord Jesus, You know the struggle of the will, which You answered with, “Not my will, but Thine be done.”  Guide me in the way of salvation so that I seek the Father’s will in all things.  Help me to realize that this is not a struggle against the flesh, but against my spirit which rebels at the truth that I am the created and the Father is the Creator.  Help me to say, “Let it be done to me according to Your will.”  Amen.