"And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." Luke 2:6-7 KJV

My writing sometimes ruffles some feathers, mainly my own. My devotionals relate to what I am struggling with or something I need to work on in my life. This one is no exception. As our world struggles with personal rights and everyone demanding their rights be met, the story of a willing, young, pregnant girl convicted me of what rights I expect when presented with a task from God.

A young woman named Mary, a virgin betrothed to a young man named Joseph, was told by an angel that she would conceive and give birth to the Savior of the world, Son of the Most High (Luke 1:32). When she first learned she would become pregnant, she was confused and a bit dumbfounded, but she humbly responded with, "I am the Lord's servant. May your word to me be fulfilled" (Luke 1:38).

When she was very pregnant, she had to travel over 90 miles on a donkey to Joseph's home town, only to find there was no room at the inn for her to deliver this precious child. Through all of this, Mary, a humble servant of the Lord, didn't demand her rights as the mother of our Savior. She wasn't worried about her reputation, she didn't refuse to travel because she was pregnant, she didn't name drop that she was about to deliver the King of kings so she could get a better mode of transportation or a room in the inn. She didn't expect others to give up their room so she could be comfortable.

Mary humbly accepted circumstances, she graciously accepted what was available, a manger in a stable, and gave birth to Christ. No fuss or demands were made; Mary quietly brought the Son of God into the world.

As I meditate on these verses, I wonder if we would have been as humble and gracious as Mary. Would we willingly say yes to the angel or would our answer be no because of what others might think of us? Would we have accepted the task before us or demanded our right to have a say in how it all would go? Would we have willingly traveled 90 miles on a donkey or demanded a limousine? Would we have quietly accepted the stable as a room or would we have demanded a suite with all the comforts? Would we have quietly delivered the King of kings among the animals or would we have called all the news stations and tweeted every detail?

I think that too often we get in God's way by demanding our way. We want God's word fulfilled, but on our terms. We want to do big things for God so we will get the recognition and praise. Mary gratefully accepted the task put before her, she willingly rode to Bethlehem, she graciously accepted the room that was available, and she let God do the announcing in His way, giving Him the glory. Mary simply treasured the moment, treasured being chosen by God. The next time we think we aren't getting the rights or attention we deserve, may we stop and consider Mary, the mother of our Savior.

May we humbly and quietly rejoice in the fact that God chose us to be His children. He created us to glorify Him, and He graciously allows us to be His hands and feet in this world.

JODI HENDRICKS IS A LONG-TIME MEMBER OF FARMINGTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH. SHE TEACHES ADULT AND YOUTH BIBLE CLASSES.