In Luke, we find Mary leaning into curiosity as she ponders the story of the shepherds and how they came to find her and Jesus (Luke 2:19). And before that moment, she wondered how she would become pregnant as a virgin, asking the angel, “How will this be?” (Luke 1:34). Farther back in the story we read that she was troubled and discerning when the angel first greeted her and called her “favored one” (Luke 1:29). What we find in Mary is not a silent woman who is stepped all over, but a woman who thinks deeply, considers her situation, and is curious about what God is up to. She is also a woman who moves and acts, knowing that she cannot carry this calling alone. She carries it to her cousin (Luke 1:39).
Ask
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.
not alone
Mary runs to share her reality and curiosity with Elizabeth, and Elizabeth rejoices in the magnificent and miraculous words of God. Elizabeth pours blessing out on Mary. She speaks love and truth, and she shares in the work God is doing in her as well, attesting to the reality of what Mary is going through (Luke 1:40–45). Mary is not alone.
Both women carry a physical miracle. As Elizabeth has experienced the shame of barrenness, Mary is subject to the judgment of her virgin birth and eventual pain and humiliation of her son. Elizabeth knows Mary needs her love, support, and a reminder of God’s presence with her. She offers this joyfully. Both women are in awe of God’s wondrous works, and they share in it together.
cultivating wonder
As the women shared in wonder, they cultivated curiosity and gave courage. Many of us have lost our sense of wonder. Throughout the years we were quieted, we were told we asked too many questions, or maybe we were told we should not ask questions. Questions, wonder, and curiosity were the enemies of truth. Yet these things lead to deeper and richer truth. The exploration of our doubts and voicing our questions grows in us space to receive what God may be saying in different ways through a variety of people. After all, God is a creator! His creativity is far beyond our imagination, and we will never out-question God! We are invited to stay curious, listen to God, and connect in community. In community we share, we receive, and we explore what God is doing and saying in each of us. We pay attention to how he is moving through others, remaining open to new ways he is revealing his truth. We stay curious and we see the beauty of his creativity in and through his creation. We don’t want to miss it!
Watch Session One
Jesus Equips the Ordinary
Daily Question
Who has been your source of community and connection lately? Who points you to Jesus?
Comments (11)
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I am not working right now
But I have had such a community of women how have been praying for me, sending me scriptures as we encourage one another.
I loved that Mary had an Elizabeth in her life
I feel everyone needs an Elizabeth to encourage you and strength you!
My friends Rachelle and Alicia are my reference point and always pray for and with me and keep me focused on God and not my situation! They both help me to see outside of my feelings/emotions and come back to what the word of God says! I’m so thankful for them both!
My church family. I can always count on them to lift me when I’m down & remind me that God is greater than any battle I face.
My core source of community includes my sister, two close friends, and my spiritual mentor. Each of those individuals live at least 15 hours from me. I am making steps to connect with a faith based moms group within my local community. My spiritual mentor, ladies within different bible studies, and thoughts of what my late father has shared with me, points me to Jesus.
I am truly thankful for community. Having someone to talk to when faced with difficult situations is a blessing from God, as you know that a community of faith filled individuals will lead you to the cross.
My church , family and a few friends have connected me with Christ and continues to point me to the direction of Jesus . I try to stay away from people who turn me away from him.
My family and the church groups I participate in. I gain so much from listening to others perspective about God’s word. It hellos me you grow tremendously.
My source of community and connection has been the people in our small groups on Sunday mornings. This bible study, What the Women Saw, has been pointing me to Jesus from the responses from other ladies and the videos in our virtual study.
Great encouragement for me!
My husband, my adult children, a couple of close friends, my small group, and the other staff members of the church where I work. I am thankful for Zoom and other technology to stay in touch with friends and to be able to continue to meet with my small group. I am thankful for my husband’s and my weekly meetings at a park with friends. I am thankful for our church’s streaming of the service. I miss seeing my church family in person on Sundays, but feel connected to them when we tune into the live stream on Sunday morning.
I am blessed.
I have connected with many people over zoom during the pandemic and through many phone calls with my sisters. I think that God has used these connections to point me back to how Jesus is the one who satisfies me and I can rely on him.
my sister
❤️