Just a word: Finding confidence through encouragement
When I read about the birth of Jesus in the gospel of Luke, I am amazed at the progression of reactions and emotions displayed by Mary. We usually focus on the fact that she is accepting and obedient when the angel tells her she will give birth to the Son of God, and then she sings this beautiful song of praise to the Lord.
But have you noticed the full range of emotion that is briefly captured in chapter 1 of Luke between that first shocking revelation and when she sings?
I don’t know what took me so long, but I always understood that Mary was excited and praised God immediately. I somehow missed that there is so much more to the story. When we look a little closer, we can see that Mary’s response wasn’t much different than what yours or mine might have been.
Mary was initially “greatly troubled” when the angel greeted her (v. 29). She then progressed to feeling doubtful and insecure, asking, “How will this be?” (v. 34). So far, this totally tracks with how I imagine most people might react. She eventually demonstrated a spirit of acceptance and obedience, stating, “I am the Lord’s servant” (v. 38). Isn't this the part where she bursts out in an improvisational song of worship to the Lord? You might think so, but there’s one more crucial event that takes her from obedient acceptance to joyful praise.
The pivotal person in this emotional journey-the one I don’t want us to miss-is Mary’s relative, Elizabeth. We learn more about Elizabeth in the first part of this same chapter when an angel tells her husband they will have a son, even though they are much older and had given up on having children. Elizabeth is six months pregnant when Mary receives her earth-shattering news, and we are told Mary “got ready and hurried” to visit Elizabeth (v. 39). Don’t make my mistake and skip over Mary’s eagerness to visit Elizabeth. Take a moment and consider: Why was this so important to her?
Mary was a young girl in a confusing situation, and she was trying to move forward in faith and obedience. When she needed support, she ran to a woman she trusted and loved. Elizabeth's excitement, joy, and encouragement about God's purpose for Mary was exactly what she needed in that moment. She was comforted by the response Elizabeth had and became more confident in her identity and purpose. This was the boost she needed to go from faithfully obedient to joyfully confident.
Do not underestimate the impact a word of encouragement from you can have on someone else. Taking the time to encourage those in a season of stress, sadness, or confusion could be the very thing they need to find their own courage and confidence. Elizabeth encouraged Mary, helping her find joy in her God-given identity and purpose amidst the shock of this news. We are called to do the same for each other.
Scripture for meditation
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
(Luke 1:41-45, NIV)
Prompts for reflection and journaling
Do you turn to those who will lift you up and remind you who you are, or do you try to solve everything on your own?
When loved ones come to you with stress or uncertainty, how can you more actively encourage them and remind them of their God-given identity?
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