Virtue 7: Mary’s Virtue of Obedience – The Power of Trustful Surrender
- Beata
- Sep 8, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 10, 2025
Blog Series: The 7 Virtues of Mary
Mary’s Virtue of Obedience – The Power of Trustful Surrender
We often think obedience is weakness. A loss of freedom. A sign of control.
But Mary shows us a different way. Her obedience is not passive—it’s an act of radical trust.
In the hidden spaces of her “Fiat” was the courage to say yes to the unknown, to walk in mystery, to surrender her will not out of fear, but out of love.
Jung wrote that
“Only obedience to one’s inner truth leads to wholeness.”
And Mary was the human being most in tune with God’s truth.
Alicja Lenczewska offers this insight:
“True freedom is born from obedience to God. For only His will gives life.”
„Prawdziwa wolność rodzi się z posłuszeństwa Bogu. Bo tylko Jego wola daje życie.”
The Battle: Rebellion vs. Obedience
Rebellion isn’t always loud. It often hides in quiet resistance — the inward fold of the heart that says: “I know better. I’ll take care of it myself.”
It’s not always defiance. Sometimes, it’s disappointment in disguise. Sometimes, it’s the ache of prayers unanswered, or the fear that surrender means loss of self.
But Mary’s obedience was never passive. It was fierce. Intentional. It wasn’t about having all the answers — it was about knowing Who was asking.
She said “yes” without a blueprint. She trusted without clarity. She moved — not because she saw the whole path, but because she trusted the One leading it.
How to Fight Rebellion:
Practice silence. Rebellion grows loud in a noisy heart. Silence makes space for whispers from Heaven.
Obey in small things. It’s in the ordinary — the dishes, the delay, the yes to someone hard to love — where obedience becomes real.
Surrender control. Not as defeat, but as an offering. Ask honestly: “Lord, what do You want in this moment?”
Reflect on Mary’s “yes.” She didn’t obey because she understood — she obeyed because she trusted the One who loved her.
“Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.” — Luke 11:28
Obedience is not the loss of freedom. It’s the rediscovery of it — through trust, through surrender, through love.
Symbol: Lily of the Valley
The lily of the valley, delicate but strong, bows its head in humility.
It grows low to the ground, thriving in shade—just like obedience that doesn’t seek applause, but pleases the Father.
The Scripture:
“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” Luke 1:38
This is not a resignation.
This is confidence in a love that leads and never abandons.
Where in my life am I resisting God’s direction?
Where is my rebellion a symptom of fear or a need for control?
Mary shows us that obedience is not the end of freedom—it is its fulfillment.
Lenczewska: „Nie musisz wszystkiego rozumieć, by iść za Mną. Wystarczy, że Mi ufasz.”
“You do not need to understand everything to follow Me. It is enough that you trust Me.”
Prayer to Mary and the Holy Spirit:
Mary, Humble Handmaid of God,
teach me to obey as you did—boldly, freely, joyfully.
When I resist the will of God, remind me of your trust in the mystery.
Holy Spirit, Guide of Truth,
silence my fears, calm my pride, and soften my heart.
Help me to delight in Your will and walk in Your ways, even when I do not see the whole path.
Amen.
🌸 Embrace Mary’s Virtue of Obedience 🌿🌸🌿
In a world that exalts independence and self-will, Mary’s Virtue of Obedience shines as a radical act of trustful surrender. She teaches us that obedience is not about blind submission, but about choosing love over fear, and God’s will over our own illusions of control.
👉 Let us walk in Her footsteps—one yes at a time.
What does obedience look like in your life right now? Is there an area where God is asking you to surrender and trust?
👉 Leave a comment below or share your reflection on social media.📖 Explore more virtues in our devotional series.🌿🌸🌿
👉 And if you haven't already, deepen your journey through the Chaplet of Seven Virtues of Mary: Daily Prayer for Spiritual Growth.
Together, let’s grow in holiness, strengthened by Mary’s example and covered by her mantle of grace. 🌿🌸🌿
The final post of Blog Series: The 7 Virtues of Mary:
Coming soon.
The 7 Virtues of Mary: A Path to Overcoming Vices and Growing Closer to God
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