What do you do when you come up against an unexpected or impossible problem? Try to fix it, panic or call for help? Mary, the mother of Jesus, models how I want to act.

At the beginning of His public ministry at age thirty, Jesus attended a wedding at Cana. Mary must have been helping at the wedding. When the wine ran out, she brought the problem to Jesus. You can read the account here John 2:1–11.

Mary said to Jesus, “They have no more wine.”

That’s it. No pleading, no explanation of how embarrassing or urgent this was, no pointing out how this might foster faith in His disciples. Just, “They have no more wine.”

To the servants she said, “Do whatever He tells you.”

Jesus told them to fill the ceremonial washing jars with water. They filled six 20-30-gallon jars to the brim. “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet,” He said.

I smile when I read this. Did the servant hold his breath when the host tasted the water? I picture his eyes sparking with relief when the master proclaimed, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”

Personal Applications

1. Tell Jesus the problem—not the solution.
   When I bring my problems to God, I often suggest ways to solve them. There is nothing wrong with asking. But did you notice, Mary didn’t tell Jesus how to fix the problem? How could she? Jesus did something that defied imagination. When I focus on how I think He should act, I may miss the work He is doing.
2. Follow His instructions and leave the results with Him. 
   Mary didn’t supervise Jesus’ actions. She told the servants to do what He said. I’m sure His directions didn’t make sense to them. Because they obeyed, they experienced a miracle.

Jesus did something that defied imagination. When I focus on how I think He should act, I may miss the work He is doing. #RechargeWednesday
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Trust Jesus with My Problem

Mary knew Jesus’ compassion. She trusted His love, wisdom and ability. Perhaps Jesus had miraculously multiplied food for His family in the meager years after Joseph died. Satan knew He could turn a stone into bread (Matt. 4:3). After Mary told Jesus about the need, she left the problem in His capable hands.

If Mary didn’t feel a need to tell her son how to solve the problem, why do I think I need to come up with the solution for Jesus to execute? I only need to trust and obey Him. I can’t see His spiritual power at work anymore than I can see the wind. But when I trust Him, I will witness the result.

How can you apply Mary’s example to a problem you’re facing?

Adapted from Little Women, Big God.

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LINKUP is open! This week, my friend @DebbieWWilson invites us to follow Jesus' mother's example of humble obedience and unwavering submission to the Savior when facing a problem. Join us & share your blog! #RechargeWednesday…
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