Scripture Reading: Luke 1:39–45
Reflection
Old and barren — this is how Elizabeth is described in Luke 1:6–7. Though she was advanced in years and unable to conceive, Elizabeth was also a righteous and blameless follower of God. She faithfully held to His commands and virtues, becoming a woman of deep faith. Her heart longed to be a mother, yet as the years passed, her womb remained empty. “Old and barren” was not how Elizabeth expected her life to go.
Mary, on the other hand, was a young, unmarried virgin who had just learned she would give birth to the Son of God. Unlike Elizabeth, “young and pregnant” was certainly not how she expected her life to go. Yet as the angel reassured Mary, he also revealed that her older, barren cousin Elizabeth was pregnant. The angel affirmed to Mary that “nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37).
Two extraordinary pregnancies — one long hoped for, the other entirely unexpected. Can you imagine Elizabeth’s joy and Mary’s uncertainty?
With haste, Mary made her way to Elizabeth’s home. As she entered and greeted her cousin, the long-awaited baby within Elizabeth leaped with joy, recognizing the presence of the Messiah within Mary’s womb. Elizabeth, not knowing that Mary was pregnant, was filled with the Holy Spirit and cried out with a loud voice, blessing Mary and the child she carried. With humble wonder, she asked why the mother of her Lord had come to her. Elizabeth celebrated Mary with blessings and support because she knew that the Lord would keep His promise to her.
Life simply doesn’t go as we plan. We can find ourselves in seasons of uncertainty and doubt, wondering if God truly has a plan for us or if He has forgotten us altogether. It would have been easy for Elizabeth to surrender to despair after years of infertility. Yet her faith and hope kept her focused on the days ahead and on the Savior to come. At the appointed time, she gave birth to her promised son, John the Baptist, who would go on to prepare the way for Jesus — the perfect plan at the perfect time.
From the wisdom gained by watching God do the impossible in her own life, Elizabeth knows that God can and will do the same in Mary’s life as well. While others may shame or criticize the young Mary, Elizabeth sees the bigger plan unfolding before them. Confident in God’s purpose for Mary, Elizabeth celebrates her and speaks courage to her as she walks the overwhelming road ahead as the mother of the Most High.
Just as God carefully knit the babies in today’s devotional within their mothers’ wombs, He also formed you with intention and love. Every hair on your head is numbered, and God’s tender thoughts about you outnumber the grains of sand. Take heart — your difficult seasons matter. God has promised that “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). So let us not waste the lessons we learn in the hard times, but instead pour out the wisdom and encouragement we’ve gained into the lives of those around us.
Reflection Questions
- How has your life not gone as planned? What currently feels impossible?
- When have you faced doubt or uncertainty in your walk with Christ? Where did you find encouragement?
- How can God’s past faithfulness in your life strengthen another believer today? Who is God prompting you to encourage with your story?
Application
- Search the Scriptures: Look for verses that call believers to encourage one another.
- Be attentive and prayerful: Pay attention to those around you who may be hurting; pause to pray for them—or with them.
- Share your story: Reflect on moments when God sent someone to encourage you, and look for opportunities to pass that blessing on.
Additional Scripture for Deeper Study
- Luke 1:5–25
- Luke 1:36
- Psalm 139
Family Activity
As a family, choose people you want to bless with handwritten notes. These may include mentors, friends, family members, or individuals you know who are going through a difficult season.
Ideas to include in your cards:
- A simple reminder: “You are loved and not forgotten.”
- A meaningful Scripture or encouraging quote.
- A brief note of gratitude for the ways they have encouraged you.
Handwritten cards are a personal, heartfelt way to express intentional love and offer spiritual encouragement.