When I was pregnant and even now as a veteran mom, I need my girlfriends. A couple of my close friends had babies 6-12months before I had my first. Having them walking just that much ahead of me was such a blessing, especially with that first pregnancy!
39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. - Luke 1:39-40
When I need encouragement, a listening ear, or just to verbally process, having a friend walking along the same path is invaluable. I love that we get to see this play out here in the pages of scripture between Elizabeth and Mary. They needed each other. Mary needed Elizabeth to glean from her experience and wisdom. Elizabeth needed Mary to share in the joy of pregnancy and motherhood. They needed each other to share and process their visits from the angel Gabriel. It brought comfort and confidence to have each other in this season.
41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! - Luke 1:41-42
We also see God’s heart for community in their relationship. God does not desire for us to be alone or even to feel alone. He knew that both of these women would feel loneliness in their circumstances. In saying yes to what He was asking, they would feel isolated from their people. But, God is a God of details. In the message to Mary from Gabriel, he includes that Elizabeth is pregnant with a son too.
God knows and cares that we, especially women, need community. He knows that the friendship of like-minded women is important. It is vital to our emotional and spiritual health, but also to us walking in the fulness of our callings. We cannot do it alone.
Who has God called you to walk with in this season?
Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her! - Luke 1:45
How can you encourage her today?
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