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 source of community has been the amazing women who have mentored me through my faith journey. Over the past couple of months and weeks, my faith has grown in ways I could have never imagained! Community, now more than ever is so important, and I love that no matter if its miles, or a virus that separates us, it feels like we are still sitting down for coffee and have genuine relationships. It makes life worth living, when you’re walking next to God!
Probably my mom. I’m so thankful to be able to spend more time with her through this whole pandemic thing as we are working together to take care of my two boys and my niece. We have had great conversations and been able to share things and grow together.
Being quarantined as we are I would have to say myself. Right now, I’m not really connected to anyone from church or my Christian friends. I have to lead myself to Your word, or really maybe I should say Jesus or the Holy Spirit are leading! ?
Two wonderful women in my life. My sister and my daughter.
My friends, Aymee and Callie, have been a constant encouragement in my marriage and my pregnancy. They are women who are grounded in God’s truth, and our conversations almost always lead back to Christ. I may not have a ton of friends, but the ones I do have fill my cup and I’m so grateful that God placed them in my life.
My mom, grandma, fiancé, and friend.
My parents have always pointed me towards Jesus. Growing up God was at the center of everything. Lately I’ve been spending a lot of time with my husband and kids, which has been a nice reminder to slow down, read scripture, pray, and meditate on this season of life. It hasn’t been easy and some days I feel alone and disconnected, but Moms group has been an awesome community for support and guidance. Being a mom is not an easy job, you need community and Jesus. I don’t ever want to take my community for granted, I need each and every person who is placed in my life. They help me grow and push me to become a better wife, mother and friend and most importantly points me to Jesus.
There are a few women in my life who have been good about checking in and seeing how I’m doing, which as a very social, single woman living alone in a pandemic, has been a life saver for me in this season. I have also been spending a lot of time in podcasts as a way to grow toward and connect with Jesus.
Mostly my source of community has been limited to family and friends I get to see only on facetime or zoom. I’m involved in various bible studies which now we are connecting via Zoom. I also meet once a week via zoom with my siblings who are scattered in several distant states. We probably virtually "see" each other more now during this pandemic than we ever have. And of course being under "shelter at home" orders, my hubby is my whole in person community…..
My family and my friends Bette, Beth and Dorothy.