What She received . . .

Posturing, positioning, being in the right place . . . When it comes to opportunities for a seat at the table, many women in leadership can recount their war stories of carefully navigating the treacherous terrain of corporate, political, educational, and even religious institutions.

To become power players, their climb to the top required significant personal sacrifice and skillful course-plotting through the twist and turns of rock covered roads and uncleared paths. Without a roadmap, access to power at times appears to be just beyond our reach. But what about accessing the power and promise God has for our lives? Are there instructions that we should follow? And are we humble enough to do so?

Throughout the story of Mary in the scriptures, we see her in many contexts. A young woman willing to participate in God’s plan, an expectant mother on a journey to give birth, a seasoned mother signaling to her son to begin ministry, a grieving mother waiting at the foot of the cross. Her story offers an abundance of leadership examples that demonstrate her humility and obedience to God’s will. But perhaps one of the most powerful experiences encompassed in her story is often overlooked.

“Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren” (Acts 1:12-14, KJV).

Did you miss it? If you’re familiar with the story of Pentecost, the upper room experience is one of its key aspects. But do you know who was in that room? Right alongside the disciples sat Mary, Jesus’s mother, in preparation for the promise of God. In this vignette, Mary continues a pattern of following God’s plan as He outlines. In essence, her life follows the design of an authentic disciple of Christ.

Christ’s final words to the disciples assembled at His ascension included specific instructions to remain in Jerusalem in preparation for the promise of the Holy Spirit.

“And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence” (Acts 1:4-5, KJV).

God’s call to Mary, which began in her early life continued into her mature years. And Mary’s answer was a repetitive posture of humility and obedience that positioned her for God’s purpose and promise. Following Jesus’s final direction, she too waited with the disciples in Jerusalem for 10 days following His ascension.

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:1-4, KJV).

The sum of Mary’s life was a series of obedient steps. Seems simplistic, right? But the significance for leadHERs and the challenge to us is to see our lives as a similar journey. Not one of our own design and making, but guided, directed, and cultivated by the hand of God.

What about God’s call on your life? What has he instructed you to do to access His power and promise?

All along her journey, Mary was moving towards more of what God had for her. His purpose. His promise. And in this case, His power through the Holy Spirit in her life.

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

As leadHERs, getting to the place of power, to the place where we are truly positioned for promise requires adopting Mary’s example of humility and obedience. To become power players, Christ’s instructions invite us to take a path that others may overlook in their journey to the top. Mary’s story encourages us to cultivate a humble mindset, to tune our ears to God’s instruction and to develop a heart of devotion that willingly obeys.

Follow God’s PATH: Listen carefully to His instructions.

Find God’s PURPOSE: Surrender your vision for His wisdom.

Access God’s PROMISE: Move forward through steps of obedience to His will.

Experience God’s POWER: Remain positioned in the place where He promised to show up.

LeadHERs, my prayer for you today is that you will receive ALL that God has for your life. His power, His promise, and His purpose! Be encouraged to follow Him on the pathway to the place

He has outlined for your destiny. Let humility and obedience be your guides as you journey to what He has in store for your life.

Your Sister in LeadHERship,

Dr. Margaret R. Frye

Want to learn more about this part of Mary’s story? Find it in Acts 1:1-14, 2:1-4

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