Quality questions create a quality life. Successful people ask better questions, and as a result, they get better answers.— Anthony Robbins
In primary school, it was the norm that others consistently performed better, and I never ranked within the top three positions. Analysing the situation, I questioned: "Why can't I also excel?”.
I can't tell what prompted this question, but it so shifted my mindset that I imagined myself being first too, improved remarkably, and maintained the top position until I graduated.
Reflecting on this turn of events, God highlighted how my experience illustrates 5 key steps in Mary's story that are essential for the realization of every dream or vision.
In certain societies, people are trained to simply accept things as they are, and not question. But throughout the Bible, we discover that questions are central in God's interaction with mankind.
"Adam, where are you?"
"Who told you that you are naked?"
Jesus' teachings were filled with questions that evoked deep thoughts from His listeners. We are made in God's image, and thus we must learn to ask great questions. Why? Good questions generate ideas that can shift our outlook and unlock our creative potential.
When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, speaking of God's incredible plans for her, she asked a genuine question: "How can this be?"
She knew that the laws of nature did not permit conception without intimacy, but her question allowed Gabriel to reveal God's supernatural plan. The Holy Spirit would come upon her, bypassing the natural order.
Gabriel's response unlocked Mary’s imagination, enabling her to envision the divine promise. Kris Vallotton noted that when we imagine something in our mind’s eye, a phenomenon occurs in our spirit, driving us to manifest what we perceive in our heart. Michelangelo famously said, "I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free."
Imagination is vital in pursuing and realizing God's promises. This is why God instructed Moses to send spies into the Promised Land—to help the Israelites see the new reality He was bringing them into (Numbers 13:17–27). Mary, too, needed a prototype. Learning of Elizabeth’s pregnancy in her old age stretched her imagination, helping her believe that "with God, nothing will be impossible."
Once she imagined the divine possibility, Mary’s faith was stirred. Unlike Zachariah, who doubted Gabriel's message, Mary believed the word.
"Let it be to me according to your word,"
she declared (Luke 1:38). Although Gabriel’s message defied logic and had no precedent, she accepted God's promise. Faith often requires believing what we cannot yet see, simply because God has spoken it.
After asking her initial question, Mary quickly shifted her confession to align with God's promise.
"Let it be to me according to your word,"
was an expression of trust in God's ability to perform the impossible. Scripture reminds us of the power of our words: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue"
(Proverbs 18:21).
Mary's declaration shows us the importance of aligning our speech with God's promises. Scripture is replete with instances when the people of Israel either stifled or fuelled their faith through their words. What words are you speaking over your situation? Are you declaring God’s promises, or are your confessions reinforcing doubt?
5 Act
After her encounter with Gabriel, Mary "arose with haste"
and went to visit Elizabeth. Though the Holy Spirit had already overshadowed her, Mary took practical steps to nurture the promise. For months, she lived in a faith-filled environment, aligning her actions with God’s word.
Just as Mary took action after receiving her promise, God moved on her behalf, even touching the heart of Joseph to ensure that His plan was fulfilled. We, too, must take steps to partner with God in bringing our dreams to fruition. What steps are you taking to realize that dream or calling God has placed on your heart?
Beloved, for your liberation, healing, promotion, marriage, peace, and purpose, can you also ask, "How can this be?"
Can you, with eyes of faith, see divine possibilities in your heart? Do you believe God's promises to you? Will you, like Mary, declare words that align your reality with God's mighty promises? Can you back your confessions with actions? As Oral Roberts said, "If you see the invisible, you will do the impossible."