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 (10)
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My church, Crossroads. They have virtual Bible studies with wonderful leaders. my church is my family. I love listening to fellow brothers/sisters talk about scripture. i learn so much. We also have a daily 9@9 which has been a great start to my day. Words of encouragement and faith, reassurance that everything is going to be okay.
I am a military wife so we move around so much. I don’t have that connection with anyone. I get close to my church friends and am able to share and rejoice with them but once we move it is so hard to stay close to them. Then you meet new church friends take time to get to know them then you’re moving again. It is very difficult. I feel like I don’t have a person to turn to. I just look to God for everything and share everything with him.
Loretta and I started back to church 45 years ago. She encouraged me to go with her. I was pregnant with Ginger and didn’t have a dress so I wouldn’t go but 2 weeks after she was born I went. We have encouraged each other for over 45 years. I encouraged Kathy to go back to Jesus 39 years ago. She is such an encouragement with her World view and deep wisdom. She has been a missionary for over 25 years with YWAM. My prayer group and my sisters at the river have helped so much.
Many of my friends on Facebook – and over the phone. In ways I feel more connected now when being in groups isn’t just a normal occurrence we take for granted.
I am so very grateful to be surrounded by a group of women that love and serve Jesus. There are no pretences, but instead a culture of vurnerability, honesty and compassion. We all have different gifts and strenghts, and in this community of women we are all encouraged and upheld in our journey’s.
My champions! Their teachings draw you into the word of the Lord. Revealing the hidden treasures within the text. Just words, but life.
It has always been my problems honestly, been looking for an affordable online group, for a while now. Until recently, God led me a grace-filled environment of women and I’m grateful.
For me it’s been close friends who are also on a journey of seeking Christ. It amazes me the level we can relate to each others situations just like Mary and Elizabeth! Truly I believe God doesn’t call us to be on our own. He always prepares people who will welcome and understand our situations, or if not are going through the same thing!
My church, my prayer partners, my sister and some close friends
The Lord in my journaling, His word, devotions from our church and time reevaluating my values and priorities
during this stay at home time.