When the virgin Mary said, “May it be to me as you have said,” she submitted to the Spirit’s formation of the Christ child within her body. She knew that allowing Christ to be formed in her could result in divorce or possibly stoning. Nevertheless, she trusted the Lord to handle the uncertainties of what lay ahead.

 Several years later, the  Apostle Paul pleaded with the Galatians to allow Christ to be formed in their hearts. His concern for them was so intense that he said, “I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you.” He did not downplay the price of Christ being formed in his life but said, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”

The cost of bearing the Christ-life has never been higher in many countries. During the last century, more Christians have died for their faith than all the past Christian martyrs together.

For most of us, though, allowing the Christ-life to govern our steps may never bring physical death, but each day more stones are lobbed our way with the intention of destroying our faith in Jesus Christ. Court rulings, the news media, cultural correctness advocates, the entertainment industry, and the educational system from Pre-K through post-graduate programs pelt believers in Christ with sneers and contempt.

As we consider Mary’s “May it be …”
Let us examine  our own faith
Let us each renew our “May it be –  May Christ be formed in ME!

To them, God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27)

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. (Ephesians 3:16-17)

Martha Hawn VanCise©