Oakwood Church Fresh Start Women's Devotional Encouragement for Today Hartland Delafield

Encouraging our Faith
By Jen Wollner

“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Luke 1:41 

Mary (the mother of Jesus) and Elizabeth (the mother of John the Baptist) were not only relatives, but also appear to be friends. Almost immediately after learning that she was to be the mother of the Savior, Mary made the trip to visit Elizabeth. The Scripture actually says that she “hurried” to see her. Why the haste? Was it because the angel Gabriel had told her that Elizabeth was in her sixth month of pregnancy and she wanted to confirm it herself and celebrate with Elizabeth? Or, was it because she couldn’t wait to share the news of her own pregnancy? Exactly why she so quickly went to Elizabeth’s side isn’t clear, but I’m guessing her decision involved these reasons and many more. Her mind must have been spinning as she made the journey to Elizabeth’s town.

What is really amazing about the story of Mary going to Elizabeth is how God used both women to encourage the other. Scripture says that as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s voice, John leapt in her womb and she was filled with the Holy Spirit. She exclaimed with joy the truth of Mary’s pregnancy and that she was, in fact, carrying her Lord. She continued by praising Mary’s trust in the Lord to accomplish what He said He would. Imagine Mary’s heart the moment she heard Elizabeth’s words and saw the joy on her face. The faiths of both women were encouraged that day by what God had done for each of them…and the world.

As with Mary and Elizabeth, God uses the women in our lives to speak to us. Our girlfriends encourage us to persevere, motivate us to action and challenge us to change. They laugh with us and cry with us. They share in joys and sorrows. They act as God’s hands and feet in our lives. But, best of all, they point us to God.

God knew that Mary and Elizabeth needed spiritual encouragement. And, He knows that we need that, too. Sometimes He sends heavenly angels with messages…and sometimes He sends a girlfriend.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Think about a woman in your life whom God has used to encourage you. What little act of thanks could you do to let her know how much she is appreciated?
2. Who in your life could use godly encouragement from you today? What could you do to encourage her?

FURTHER READING:
Luke 1:39-56; Psalm 10:17; Hebrews 3:13; Hebrews 10:25

Jen and her husband are busily parenting three children between the ages of eight and four. She serves on the leadership team for Mission: Hope, Oakwood’s orphan care ministry.