Luke 1:39–45 ‘She exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!”’ (v42)
Anyone who faces uncertainty in life needs an Elizabeth by their side. Before Mary had to face the music with Joseph and tell him she was pregnant, and before anyone else knew, God had tipped her off that one of her relatives was also having a miracle pregnancy.
In my book, Those Who Wait, I imagined Mary’s experience at this point: ‘There was something in me that needed to see her for myself.
I had experienced the miracle of an encounter with an angel of the Lord, but I also needed to see the supernatural made natural.
I needed to see a woman who couldn’t possibly be pregnant, miraculously pregnant. Sometimes we need to see it in someone else before we can believe it for ourselves.’*
When Mary encounters Elizabeth, something wonderful happens. Although Mary wouldn’t have been yet showing, Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit (v41) and with her own baby leaping for joy (v44), knows that Mary is both pregnant (v42) and that she bears ‘my Lord’ (v43).
She affirms Mary’s calling and blesses her (v45). If Mary had any doubts, Elizabeth blows them away with her prophetic welcome.
We all need Elizabeths in our life – people who can reaffirm our identity in Christ, our purpose and calling, especially at times when we’re vulnerable or questioning anything.
Who are your ‘Elizabeths’? God not only gives us the Holy Spirit for reassurance but also knows we need comforters with skin on. When you are stepping into uncertainty, take precious companions with you for the journey.
A Prayer To Make:
‘Dear Lord, thank You that You cared for Mary by giving her Elizabeth. Where I face uncertainty, please give me the friendships and support I need, as precious gifts. Amen.’
An Action To Take:
Consider whether you have ‘Elizabeths’ in your life. What can you do to cultivate or nurture these kinds of friendships?
Scripture To Consider:
Ruth 1:11–22; 1 Kgs 19:14–21; Mark 14:32–40; 2 Tim. 4:9–11
