Girl Interrupted

Session 4: Girl Interrupted: Mary’s Unexpected Role

Saying Yes to God When Life Takes an Unexpected Turn

“But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.’”
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” – Luke 1:30-32 & 38

Introduction:

Have you ever had your plans completely interrupted? Life seems to be moving along smoothly, and then suddenly, a phone call, a piece of news, or an unexpected event changes everything. Interruptions can be unsettling, overwhelming, and sometimes downright frightening.

Now imagine this: a teenage girl, likely dreaming of her wedding day and future life with her fiancé Joseph, suddenly finds herself face-to-face with an angel. The news she receives shatters her expectations and forever changes her life.

This is Mary’s story—a girl interrupted. Yet, instead of running from the unexpected, Mary chose to embrace God’s plan with courage and faith. Her “yes” to God paved the way for the greatest event in history: the birth of Jesus Christ.

1. Mary’s Unexpected Interruption

Scripture Reference: Luke 1:26-30

• Mary was an ordinary girl living in Nazareth. She was likely 14–16 years old, engaged to Joseph, and living a simple, predictable life.
• Then, Gabriel appears and delivers a message that would turn her world upside down:
• She would conceive a child—by the Holy Spirit.
• This child would be the Son of the Most High, the long-awaited Messiah.

Imagine Mary’s initial reaction:

• “How can this be?” (Luke 1:34)
• Fear, confusion, and doubt likely swirled in her mind. After all, this wasn’t part of her plan. Being pregnant out of wedlock could mean social disgrace, rejection by Joseph, and even stoning under the law.

Application:

• Life’s interruptions often come without warning. A diagnosis, a loss, a financial crisis, or an unexpected calling from God can disrupt everything.
• Illustration: Life’s Unexpected Interruptions – Lisa’s Story

Life has a way of throwing us interruptions when we least expect them. For Lisa and me, two moments came like sudden storms that disrupted everything— our life, family, and even our business.

In 2016, Lisa suffered a severe stroke. It was completely unexpected. One moment, life seemed normal and full of promise, and the next, everything changed. The stroke disrupted her health, our daily routines, and our future plans. Our whole family had to adjust—stepping into caretaking roles, managing recovery, and holding onto hope as we faced an uncertain future. It was hard. There were days when we wondered if things would ever be the same again.

Just when the storm seemed to settle, another wave came crashing. In 2020, Lisa was diagnosed with cancer. This time, the disruption felt even more devastating. Our family and their business were all impacted once again. Dreams were put on hold, financial challenges arose, and life became a whirlwind of doctor visits, treatments, and tears, and this time, our business was closed.

For Lisa and I, these interruptions could have easily turned into moments of despair. But in the middle of the chaos, we leaned on our faith. We didn’t have all the answers, but we knew that God was still in control, even when life seemed out of control. We found strength in prayer, peace in God’s promises, and hope in His faithfulness. We chose to trust God’s plan, even when it was hard to see where the path was leading.

Today, our story serves as a reminder for all of us: interruptions will come—sometimes through illness, loss, or hardship. But like Mary, who was interrupted with a call she didn’t expect, we have a choice to trust God. His plans may not always align with ours, but He can use even the most disruptive moments to draw us closer to Him and fulfill His greater purpose.

• Application: Life’s interruptions are not the end of the story. When everything feels disrupted, hold onto God’s promises and remember that He is still working, even in the interruptions.

• Scripture to Reflect On:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." – Proverbs 3:5-6

• Like Mary, we may feel troubled, unworthy, or afraid. Yet God’s interruptions are often invitations to something far greater than we can imagine.

2. God’s Favor in the Unexpected

Scripture Reference: Luke 1:30-33
Gabriel tells Mary: “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.”

• Notice this: God’s favor did not come with ease or comfort—it came with a divine calling that would stretch her beyond her understanding.
• She was chosen for a role of incredible significance: to carry and raise the Son of God.

God’s favor does not mean the absence of challenges.

• Mary faced ridicule, doubt, and gossip. People likely whispered about her pregnancy.
• She had to rely on Joseph’s trust in God and the angel’s message (Matthew 1:20-21).

Application:

• God’s favor often looks different than what we expect. It may come with sacrifice, discomfort, or change.
• Yet, when we say “yes” to God, His favor becomes the foundation for His greater purposes to unfold in our lives.

Illustration:
The Life of Noah – A Long, Hard “Yes” to God

Imagine being Noah. God gave him an extraordinary and seemingly impossible calling: to build an ark because a flood was coming—something no one had ever seen before. Noah didn’t receive applause for his obedience. Instead, he faced ridicule, mockery, and confusion from everyone around him. Day after day, year after year (55-75 years), Noah worked on the ark in faith, following God’s instructions despite the hardship and the disbelief of others.

It wasn’t glamorous work. It was physically demanding, mentally exhausting, and emotionally isolating. Yet Noah’s “yes” to God’s call saved not only his family but preserved creation and fulfilled God’s plan for humanity.

Noah’s story reminds us that obedience to God often requires sacrifice, perseverance, and trust in the unseen. Like Noah, when we say “yes” to God—whether it’s serving in a place of hardship, stepping into an unexpected calling, or enduring seasons of uncertainty—we may not see the immediate fruit. But through our obedience, God accomplishes far more than we can imagine.

Application: Mary’s “yes” to God was not easy. It disrupted her plans, brought potential shame, and required tremendous courage. Like Noah and Mary, our obedience to God’s call—no matter how difficult or misunderstood—has the power to reveal His plan and bring hope to others.

Scripture to Reflect On:
"By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family." – Hebrews 11:7

3. Mary’s Faithful Response: A Willing Yes

Scripture Reference: Luke 1:38

• Despite her fears and questions, Mary’s response is powerful and profound: “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”
• Mary didn’t have all the answers. She didn’t know how Joseph or her family would respond. She didn’t know what the future would hold.
• But she trusted God’s plan and surrendered her own.

Mary teaches us two important lessons about faith:

1. Faith says “yes” even when the path is unclear.
• Obedience doesn’t require us to see the full picture. It requires us to trust the One who does.
2. Faith allows God to use us for His purposes.
• Mary’s willingness to say “yes” allowed God’s plan of salvation to move forward.

Application:

• What is God asking you to say “yes” to today?
• Perhaps it’s stepping into a new ministry, reconciling with someone, sharing the gospel with a coworker, or trusting Him through a difficult season.

Quote:
“God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called.” (Exodus chapter 4) Like Mary, God equips us for what He calls us to do.

4. God’s Plans Are Bigger Than Our Interruptions

Scripture Reference: Luke 1:31-33

• Mary’s “yes” wasn’t just about her. It was about God’s redemptive plan for humanity.
• Through her willingness, the Savior of the world was born—Jesus, who would save us from our sins.

Application:

• Our interruptions are part of God’s bigger story. When we surrender to His will, He uses even the most unexpected circumstances to bring about His glory and our good.
• Christmas reminds us that God’s plans are perfect, even when they don’t align with our expectations.

Illustration:
Think of the interruptions in your life. What seemed like a disruption may have been God redirecting you to something better. A job loss might have led to a new purpose. A failed relationship might have deepened your trust in God.

Conclusion: A Call to Say Yes

As we reflect on Mary’s story this Christmas, we are reminded that God often interrupts our plans to fulfill His perfect purpose. Mary’s “yes” changed the course of history.

The Challenge for Us:

• Where is God calling you to say “yes” today?
• Will you trust Him, even when it feels inconvenient or unexpected?

Final Thought:
Mary’s story is not just about a teenage girl who was interrupted—it’s about a God who faithfully fulfills His promises. This Christmas, may we embrace God’s call with the same willingness and courage as Mary, saying:

“I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”