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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Well My Church family we have been utilizing Zoom. I get to fellowship with Julia Maynard , sister Amanda Hyden has also, bee n a huge help and comfort she organized my laptop and put my school in categories easiky for me to retrieve and not be scared to tackle school via on line zoom classes .
My source of community and connection are my church dinner group, my family and and friends! In my virtual dinner group we point each other to Jesus especially now! We are all in curiousity and transition about our lives and how God will work through us.
My coworkers have been my community (via phone calls and video conferencing) because of COVID I can’t see family or friends except husband. Other connections made on phone to sisters. My sisters point me to Jesus in their ways of being other minded.
I’m blown away by this study and this question in the world we are in right now. Well done, IF Gathering. It’s so important even if we can’t physically be together to have community.
My community is my church through Youtube sermons and the journals they create as well as a women’s bible study zoom we started to this amazing study together. My neighbors, we have a physical distance pizza party on Wednesday nights in our driveways. I am also so grateful for your company.
My Bible study group from church.
My sister points me to Jesus and is my prayer partner.
definitely jennie’s podcasts, and the IF gathering digital replays….also, daily readings at coffee time with my husband of Jesus Calling….a daily habit that is 2 + yrs old….. listening to The Message on Sirius radio helps with music worship, and maintaining the constant stream of God energy. I feel supported, and loved.
My husband has been my source of community and connection as well as one of my voice students/friend. My husband points me to Jesus and keeps me focused on Him.
Because of quarantine, my husband and I have gotten to spend more time connecting as friends, and having rich conversations about our faith. We get to be more than just parents and coworkers!
I’m very lucky that I have such a Powerful group of friends from church and bible study (my bible study is separate from church) and they all have been such a great force when I’m struggling they always bring me to Jesus and helps keep me there.
I am actually quite thankful that I was invited to this devotional study. I realize that I do have a circle of friends in whom I can confide, but I don’t have a true spiritual friend. THERE IS A DIFFERENCE. I am so happy to have found a group of women with whom I can be open and trust that they will sincerely pray for me and celebrate God’s love beside me.