“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. 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. 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! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
Luke 1:38-45 NIV
I admit that I am not the best at following directions, especially when driving. I drive based on landmarks and forget to actually read the signs. Despite having step-by-step instructions, I often end up taking a long way, because I missed a sign. I realized recently that I drive better when I have a “co-pilot.” Someone who can see and confirm the signs with me along the journey. As I read through Luke 1, it made me realize that we need the same kind of companion on our spiritual journies.
Elizabeth served as that guiding confirmation for Mary. At this point, Mary has been visited by the angel and she has brought herself in submission to God’s will. Straightway, Mary headed to her relative Elizabeth’s home; who the angel had informed her was pregnant despite her old age. At her arrival, the baby (John the Baptist) “leaped in her womb.” Elizabeth recognized the signs and provided confirmation that Mary was indeed blessed by God to bring Jesus Christ into this world. Elizabeth was further along in her pregnancy and filled with the Holy Spirit. It is so good to be in relationships with those who have walked similar paths ahead of us. There is so much to glean from their testimonies.
There are inherent blessings when you place yourself into a community of believers. The Bible speaks of so many benefits that come just by supporting others and sharing your walk in faith with others. The beauty of surrounding yourself with believers is that they may carry the very confirmation you need for the next season of life. Elizabeth confirmed the special gift that God had bestowed upon Mary just by being in her presence. Do you have someone who can provide you with spiritual encouragement and confirmation?
Let me encourage you to get into communion with the Holy Spirit and surround yourself with other believers that can encourage your spiritual walk.
As we reflect during this Advent season, we have the perfect opportunity to slow down and reflect on our current state. We have the chance to turn our lives around for the good when we set our eyes on the Holy One above. Don’t let distractions make you lose sight of the miracles, signs, and wonders taking place all around us…
