“And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” Luke 1:45
My friend endured a two-year season of waiting and impossible heartache, which not only exhausted her but created within her a desire to isolate. It can feel safer to pull away, to numb out and distract, to experience a momentary sense of relief. However, we usually end up in a more profound pit of hopelessness than when we started. For believers in seasons of waiting, we can either conform to the way the world copes or, in hope, we can reach out to fellow believers God has placed in our lives so we don’t wait alone.
Godly friendships can buoy our hope and make seasons of waiting bearable. In the first chapter of Luke, we see Mary rushing to Elizabeth instead of withdrawing. On seeing Mary, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, encouraging her young relative by reminding her there was good, godly purpose in her waiting (Luke 1:45).
Both of these women experienced supernatural pregnancies, one beyond geriatric and the other still a virgin, and they lived for a time through their seasons of waiting together. We can see through Luke’s account of Elizabeth’s words she wasn’t envious of Mary. Rather than responding with jealousy, Elizabeth’s words reflect a heart full of joy and affirmation. Mary was blessed by a friend who celebrated with her. There is power when we can enter into someone’s uncertainty with them and help remember and rejoice in the hope we have because of God.
Often we become overwhelmed and isolate, but when we are in community with others, we have people to keep hoping on our behalf even when we can’t. Mary knew she would need Elizabeth’s wisdom, counsel, and companionship during her waiting season. In turn, Elizabeth was prompted by the Holy Spirit to remind Mary to hope.
If you’re in a Mary season, gather the courage and discipline needed to schedule a conversation with your Elizabeth. Or as an Elizabeth, invite a waiting Mary over who might be inclined to withdraw. Remind her she isn’t alone and there is hope in waiting together.
Prayer: Jesus, as I wait, help me avoid reacting the way the world does by withdrawing and numbing. Please create within me a desire to be in community and relationship with the strong believers you have given me. Guide me in humility as I reach out to others with transparency and honesty about the help I need. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Want More?
Read Hebrews 10:23–25. According to this passage, what should we be doing for our fellow believers and for what purpose? Who should we ultimately rely on when we feel like our hope is wavering? The passage says that we should “consider” how to encourage our friends. What forethought can you give to cheerleading your friends in their faith? The Bible stresses the importance of encouraging our friends in-person by “meeting together.” What practices can you intentionally put into place so this doesn’t fall by the wayside?
