Consider Mary’s prayer in Luke 1:38a (NRSV): “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then read Jesus’ prayer in Matthew 26:39b (NRSV): “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.” What would it be like to be in a position to change the world because of your willingness to obey God? What do you do when following Christ is hard and understanding the larger plan for your life seems impossible? In times like these, when following your own plans is easier than obeying God, try praying as Mary and Jesus did, proclaiming daily that you too are willing to surrender to God’s will.