Mike 
“How will this be?” This question from the Christmas story in Luke’s gospel is familiar. It is Mary’s first response to Gabriel after she is told that she will be the mother of the Messiah (Luke 1:34).
In your leadership role, how often do you ask, “How will this be?” I’m not suggesting that we should expect a miraculous visit from Gabriel, but I do believe that God’s leaders should be pursuing God-sized and God-shaped visions. Because of that, here are three reasons that this is an important question:
- It points us heavenward. Only God (or His messenger) can answer Mary’s question. Leaders should build great teams that will wrestle together to address important organizational issues. But if they’re not looking to God for guidance, they will never get the right answer.
- It recognizes our limited understanding. How often do we reject an idea with the phrase, “I don’t get it”? The angel’s message didn’t fit into Mary’s understanding of earthly or heavenly reality. Rather than rejecting a dream as nonsense because it doesn’t fit our preconceived ideas, we should ask the “how” question. God’s ways and thoughts are always higher than ours.
- It accepts our limited abilities. Mary’s question points to a simple truth: she is utterly incapable of making this miracle occur. If Gabriel is right, then it’s up to God. For leaders who are listening closely, the call to do impossible things means walking more closely with God rather than walking away from the challenge.
