My Soul Glorifies the Lord

Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail. Luke 1:36-37

Serving an omniscient God how blessed and favored we are. Mary was told she was going to have a child, not her fiancé child but The Most High God. In the presence of Gabriel she accepted this assignment. Once Gabriel left imagine her thoughts; what just happen here, am I dreaming, did I just talk with an angel? Uncertainty surrounds her, fear begins to surface and confusion starts to rise up, who would believe God would choose her to perform such a miraculous thing. Joseph would never accept this, what would people say? Who could she tell, with whom could she talk? God had already answered before she even asks the question; “your relative Elizabeth is going to have a child in her old age”, another miracle. Scripture does not share her thoughts with us but I imagine Mary begin to praise God in her heart for giving her someone she could turn. Immediately she went to Elizabeth and is greeted with understanding, validation, confirmation, joy. What a relief she does not even have to tell Elizabeth what is happening to her, Elizabeth already knows. Mary begins to praise God. My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant. From now on all generation will call me blessed, for the mighty One has done great things for me Holy is his name”. Luke 1:46-49

Mary was able to sing a song of praise to her omniscient God, He had already prepared what she most needed at this time; a friend to talk over her feelings and help her to begin to understand the purpose God had for her life. God had filled Elizabeth with the Holy Spirit to help Mary prepare for whatever opposition, ridicule, doubt, unbelief was in her future. Have you ever been in a situation where God was blessing you but His blessings would cause others to look upon you unfavorably? Has God ever blessed you and at the same time take you out of your comfort zone? Has God ever left you needing to share His goodness, favor, and grace yet you had to be selective of whom you chose because the reality is everyone won’t share your joy, David teaches us to praise God whatever our circumstances, “Praise be to the Lord, for he showed his wonderful love to me when I was in a besieged city. In my alarm I said, "I am cut off from your sight!" Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help”. (Psalm 31:21-22) O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord. You hem me in--behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. (Psalm 139:1-6) When we lift our hearts in praise God will answer as He answered Mary’s need. Let the praise of God continually flow from your lips and receive what Mary received.

Mary needed a friend; she needed to fully comprehend what was happening to her. God provided Elizabeth, whom He had already blessed; Mary spent three months with Elizabeth I believe God used this time to help Mary prepare for facing the issues in which she would be confronted when the town discovered she was with child. What happen doing those three months, because scripture does not tell us I must turn to my knowledge and understanding of God the omniscient and my holy imagination.

Together they shared the wonderful acts God had done in their lives and for the people of Israel. They talked about the goodness of God and how God had a history of strengthen His people when He gave them an assignment, how He never left them alone to face obstacles but with mighty power gave them success. In their 3 months together they share many moments of joy talking about God’s grace, mercy, compassion, and abounding love.

Elizabeth: Remember Hagar and how our ancestor Sarah send her away, but God blessed Ishmael with his own nation.

Mary: “Yes she was in the desert alone, but God did not forsake her, He gave her water in the midst of the desert, “those who know the name of the Lord will trust in Him, for the Lord, have never forsaken those who seek Him. (Psalm 9:10, paraphrased). Neither will He forsake me.

Elizabeth: Mary, my daughter God is with you as He was with Esther; think about how He used her to save our people. She had to put her life in her hands and go before the king. God gave her courage and He will give you the same courage.

Mary: Yes, you are right I know He will do the same for me, I shall be strong; I know the Lord will give me courage. I won’t be intimidated. I will not give the people a second thought because God, my God, is striding ahead of me. He will be right there with me. He won't let me down; he won't leave me." (Deuteronomy 31:6 paraphrased, Message)

Mary: Dear Elizabeth I must consider Joseph, how can I tell him this, what will he think, I know he loves me and God but will he be able to handle this?

Elizabeth: My child you said it yourself,” He has performed mighty deeds with his arm (Luke 51a), the best advice I can give you here is to consider the words of David “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10); The Lord will prepare Joseph.

Elizabeth: Consider Ruth and Naomi, they left Moab alone and set out for Bethlehem with nothing, no means to care for themselves, O but God provided a loving good man for Ruth. Look how he paved the way for Boaz to redeem Ruth, my child you carry the Redeemer of Israel, have no fear God has pave the way for you, He will handle all opposition.

Mary: Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. (Psalm 24:8 paraphrased)

I believe Mary left Elizabeth stronger, with much courage ready to face the challenges ahead. When you find yourself needing an Elizabeth begin with praise and prayer, than

Seek a woman of wisdom. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Proverbs 9:10)
Seek a woman of faith who knows the favor of God. ‘Greetings, you who are highly favor! The Lord is with you. (Luke 1: 28)
Seek a woman of strength who knows it is God who arms us with strength and makes our way perfect. (Psalm 18:32, paraphrased)
Seek a woman of courage. Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart,all ye that hope in the LORD. (Psalm 31:24)
Seek a woman who will rejoice with you. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! (Revelation 19:7)
Seek a woman who knows the word of God. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. (Deuteronomy 6:6)
Seek a woman who loves the Lord. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength (Deuteronomy 6:5)
Seek a woman filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Luke 1: 41)
Seek a woman who will shout with you. In a loud voice she exclaimed; “blessed are you among women and blessed is the child (your blessing) you will bear. (Luke 1: 42)
Seek a woman who believes. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” (Luke 1:45)
Seek a woman who will glorify the Lord. My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. Luke 1: 46)

So often we women become catty and fail to uplift our sisters, too often we rather tear down than edify and build up. We let out own issues keep us from being the holy, godly, loving women God desire. Have you ever needed to wrap yourself up and become an Elizabeth a type of Titus 2 woman? Have you ever needed an Elizabeth to guide you and keep you focused on the most important thing? Vow to be an Elizabeth. Ask yourself today which of the above characteristics you already possess and which you need to develop. Commit to develop those characteristics you fall short; that when the time comes for you to be a voice of encouragement, strength, courage, rejoicing and praising with a sister you will be able to step up to the call and show the God in you. Giving one of God’s chosen the ability to accept God’s grace knowing He will be the mighty weapon she needs to move towards the high calling of God.

Prayer
Father God my soul glorifies your Holy Name and my spirit rejoices in You God my Savior, for You have been mindful of the humble state of His servant. My lips offer you grateful praise and my heart is lifted up to You in adoration. Bless be the Name of Lord, God Most High. Gracious Father help me to be a woman who gives strength, courage and encouragement to your daughters, my sisters. Help me to uplift and edify, no longer tearing down but always building up those who are made in Your image,Father when I need an Elizabeth please help me to chose wisely your humble servant full of wisdom, love faith, courage and the Holy Spirit. I am blessed my God for You mighty One have done great things for me Holy is thy name.” In Jesus Name I humbly pray, Amen.