Mothers of the Bibleنموونە

Elizabeth: Encourage One Another

Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her! — Luke 1:45, NIV

I remember sitting on the edge of the bed watching the clock. One, two, five — how many minutes had passed since I took the test? You know what I mean, right? The anticipation of am I or am I not going to be a mom. It is exciting and scary all at the same time.

Imagine for a moment that you are “along in years” or a teenager being told you are going to be a mom. How would you respond?

Luke 1 tells us about Elizabeth, who was “very old” and had prayed for a child that never came (Luke 1:7, NIV). She felt the pressure of cultural stigma and disappointment but continued to serve the Lord faithfully alongside her husband, Zechariah. Luke 1:6-7 says that they were “good people who pleased the Lord” (NIV).

One day, Zechariah had an encounter with the angel Gabriel who told him Elizabeth would have a son. Can you imagine the shock and disbelief? Remember, Elizabeth was “well along in years” (Luke 1:18, NIV), but it was true — and not just any son: She would give birth to John, the one who would prepare the way for Jesus.

At the same time, her cousin Mary, who was a teenager, had also met Gabriel, who told her she would give birth to Jesus. Mary quickly went to see Elizabeth, someone she loved and trusted, to share this news. Would Elizabeth believe her? Would she support her? Elizabeth was overjoyed with her own unlikely pregnancy and celebrated, with Mary, God’s faithfulness to both of them.

Their story is a reminder of how much we need each other. Elizabeth’s response to Mary is important. Mary’s news did not take anything away from Elizabeth. Instead, we see Elizabeth affirming Mary and celebrating with her. It is far too easy for us as moms to compare our experience to someone else’s. Every mom carries the burdens and joys of motherhood differently, and comparison can easily come between us. Our attitude is the key.

Take inspiration from Elizabeth and uplift the moms around you: Encourage them, support them, be present for them and share this motherhood journey with them.

Challenge: Start by praying for opportunities to offer hope to others. Take time today to send a kind message to another mom, reminding her of God’s promises. Let’s be mamas who lift each other up!