Lessons from Mary and Elizabeth

It is when we are humble and believe what the Lord says, that we have an experience of the divine. When God speaks to us through His word, telling us something that seems impossible, it is by believing what He says that causes the supernatural to occur and blessings to flow. God always comes with power, might and a perfect plan. It is when we respond to Him, are humble, yielded, expecting and believing based on the word of God, that we are blessed. Mary and Elizabeth seemed to do exactly that. Let’s take a journey into their lives.

It seems that both women were in a position to hear from the Lord when He spoke. Scripture states that Elizabeth was “righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations” (Luke 1:6). This would suggest that she was in prayer, sensitive to God speaking; respectful of Him and His law. When the angel Gabriel approached Mary, we learn that she was a “highly favored one”, the Lord was with her and she was blessed among women (Luke 1:28). This is our first lesson, relationship with the Lord places us in a position to hear Him speak.

These women demonstrated that they were humble before the Lord. This is the second lesson: humility puts God first and above ourselves. It opens us up to His possibilities. Elizabeth confirms, “But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me (Luke 1:43)? Mary states, “For He has looked upon the lowly state of His maidservant” (Luke 1:48).

Mary and Elizabeth were in a humble state of believing. They trusted God’s word, knowing it to be true and not impossible. They may not have fully understood, but they came into agreement with Him. Gabriel speaks to Mary stating, “For with God nothing will be impossible.” Mary agrees; “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be done to me according to Your word.” (Luke 1:37,38) Elizabeth’s husband was told by an angel that Elizabeth would also become pregnant, although humanly impossible as she was old, but not with God (Luke 1:13). Elizabeth must have believed what was told to her through her husband, because she did become pregnant (Luke 1:24,25). The third lesson is that by believing, we will see the glory of God!

From this humble position of believing, Mary praises God. She overflows with praise saying, “For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name” (Luke 1:49). “He has shown strength with His arm” (Luke 1:51). Humbly hearing from God, believing what He says, and coming into agreement with His direction and plan, produces an attitude of gratitude, with resulting adoration and thanksgiving, even before fulfillment of the promise is experienced in the natural realm. Praising God according to His word, according to His promise, even before results are seen, is the fourth lesson: we believe because He said it and therefore, we praise.

Believing what they were told, Mary and Elizabeth came into agreement with God’s plan. Difficult circumstances were ahead for both women, especially for Mary. It seems that the moment she came into agreement with God in faith and hope, He took over. There act of faith was like placing a foot into the Jordan river which caused the water to be cut off and “stand as a heap” allowing the Israelites to cross over (Joshua 3:13,14). In the same way, God brought Mary and Joseph through, navigating great challenges until Jesus’ birth. One step of faith was all it took! This act of faith gave God permission to work. Mary and Joseph were surrendered to God causing His plan to come together.

This same God is for each of us today. Let us learn from Mary and Elizabeth that nothing is impossible for Him. When He speaks through His word, we should believe and be in expectation of what He says. His word is like fire and a hammer that breaks things to pieces (Jeremiah 23:29); “the word that God speaks is alive and full of power (Hebrews 4:12); the word that goes forth from His mouth shall not return to Him void, but will accomplish what He pleases Him (Isaiah 55:11).

In summary:

Being in relationship with God allows you to hear Him when He speaks.

Humbly yield to the Lord.

When He speaks, believe what He says.

Praise God even before you see or experience results.

Know that a step of faith allows God to work, and nothing is impossible for Him!