(The following is a reprint from Dr. Brent Branham's devotional "The Sweet Words of Assurance: Do Not Fear!")

Luke 1:30 "And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God."

     Just try to tell some young girl who is pregnant and unmarried that she should not fear! This blessing from God (Luke 1:28) and this highly honored position (Luke 1:28, 30) must have caused great concern to Mary. No wonder Mary was troubled at the angel’s saying (Luke 1:29). While it was true that Mary was espoused to Joseph and that this engagement formed a legal contract anticipating marriage, she had never known a man (Luke 1:34). She was told that the Holy Spirit will bring this miracle to pass and was assured that God was able to accomplish it (Luke 1:37). The subsequent surrender of Mary to the will of God is both astounding and touching (Luke 1:46-55).

     Mary must have had many concerns about the future and this baby she was to bring into the world. She was told of a sword for her soul (Luke 2:35), and the dark hours of Calvary would vindicate that statement. As sharp as any dagger was the pain she carried on that day!

     The will of God can bring great pain into our lives. The cost of following Him is high. The going price is all that you have and your own life also (Luke 9:23-25). In the course of one’s life, there is often a considerable amount of pain and distress. As sharp as any knife is the loss of a child in death or a grandchild. The parting of godly parents or the loss of a life-long spouse is extremely painful.

     In the experience of this pastor, some of the most touching moments of ministry have come in watching a family surrender to the Lord’s will during such great difficulty. The grace that God gives for such moments is extraordinary. One of the most difficult songs this writer ever sung was at the funeral of his granddaughter. Think with me about the sting and pain of following the Lord as you read this old favorite hymn.

"I Surrender All"

All to Jesus I surrender, all to Him I freely giv

I will ever love and trust Him, in His presence daily live.

All to Jesus I surrender, humbly at His feet I bow,

Worldly pleasures all forsaken, take me, Jesus, take me now.

All to Jesus I surrender, make me Savior, wholly Thine;

Let me feel the Holy Spirit, truly know that Thou art mine.

All to Jesus I surrender, Lord, I give myself to Thee;

Fill me with Thy love and power, let Thy blessing fall on me.

I surrender all, I surrender all.

All to Thee, my blessed Savior I surrender all.

J. W. Van DeVenter