Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers. —Acts 1:12-14

Starting over can be exciting and invigorating, but it can also be

, especially when you don’t have a choice.

Week 1: Jeremiah & the Babylonian Exile: Starting over is not

, but starts with

Reveal Answer

in God’s good time.

Week 2: Moses & the Exodus: Starting over is not going back. Do not focus on the

. Focus on

Reveal Answer

.

Week 3: Peter: God is always offering us

, even when we really mess up.

Week 4: Paul: Starting over by eliminating

and focusing on the

Reveal Answer

—knowing and following Jesus.

This Week: Mary: Starting over when you’re

of starting over.

In Haiti, Afghanistan, and Louisiana, people are being

to start over.

At home, hospitals, schools, businesses, and families are facing challenges we hoped we were

.

It is difficult to

when it feels like we have to keep starting over again and again.

When Life Doesn’t Go According to Plan

When we meet Mary, she’s a

whose life is about to take a radical turn. (Luke 1:26-27, 29-33)

Gabriel’s announcement took Mary from the normal path she expected and placed her on one that was totally

.

Mary’s response: “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)

Thought it threatened her reputation and betrothal, Mary embraced

the new thing God was doing through her. (Luke 1:46-49, 55)

Parenting the Messiah

Mary’s status as Jesus’ mother would have

consequences for her. (Luke 2:34-35)

She began to glimpse this in the

when he was twelve. (Luke 2:46-52)

When Jesus grew up, Mary supported and even

him in his ministry. (John 2:1-5, 11-12)

Despite her knowledge and support of Jesus’ identity and mission, even she did not fully

him. (Mark 3:20-21, 31-35)

The Piercing of Mary’s Heart

Mary

Jesus throughout his life.

At the end, she watched as he was brutally

on the cross. (John 19:25-27)

From the Annunciation of his birth to his death on the cross, Mary was a

mother and servant of God.

Starting Over Again

Following Jesus’ resurrection and ascension into Heaven, Mary could have just gone

.

Yet when the disciples gathered to pray and wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit, Mary

. (Acts 1:13-14)

After everything, when it was time to start over again, Mary said

.

When You’re Tired of Starting Over

Keep things in

. (Luke 1:54-55)

Don’t start over

.

Look for the

thing God is doing. (Lamentations 3:21-23)

The God who begins the story of his world-shattering life in the midst of creation with that tiny, imperceptible change in the body of Mary, is still a God who works with tiny and hidden changes. —Rowan Williams

Remember the One who

us all. (Luke 1:28)

Action Steps

Begin each

with this prayer:

New every morning is your love, great God of light, and all day long you are working for good in the world. Stir up in us desire to serve you, to live peacefully with our neighbors, and to devote each day to your Son, Our Savior, Jesus Christ the Lord.

Engage in one act of

to participate in the new things God is doing.

And as we contemplate the coming months, not knowing when we can breathe again, it’s worth thinking about how already the foundations have been laid for whatever new opportunities God has for us on the far side of this crisis. —Rowan Williams