It’s no secret that us gals are relational. Get a group of women together and we will talk and talk and talk and talk. We can’t help it, it is how God has wired us. When I have something big happen in my life, after talking to my husband, my next impulse is to call my girlfriend Celia, my Elizabeth.
When Jesus’ mother Mary, was given the biggest news of her life, she had no husband to confide in. Her first instinct after her visit from the angel of the Lord, was to immediately go out and seek Godly counsel from her cousin Elizabeth.
“Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah and entered the house of Zecharias and Elizabeth.” Luke 1:38-40
Mary didn’t waste any time, she went with haste. The definition of the word haste is; to move with speed, or in a hurry or a rush.
As a Christian woman, who is your Elizabeth? Who do you rush to in a hurry? Who do you seek for Godly counsel? If you don’t have a Godly woman of your very own, ask God to put one in your life. I have included below a few characteristics to look for in your Elizabeth.
Your Elizabeth should:
Have a steadfast walk with the Lord.
Give Godly counsel in truth and love.
Encourage you in your walk with Jesus.
Encourage you in your marriage.
Be someone whom you desire to learn from.
Pray for you.
Rejoice in your successes.
See your God-given gifts and encourage you to use them.
Your Elizabeth should not:
Gossip with you about others, or with others about you.
Disrespect your husband or family.
Remind you of past failures, or make fun of your shortcomings.
Pull you away from others.
Discourage you from serving the Lord.
Be in competition with you, or insecure in your achievements.
Reading the scripture above as Mary rushes to her cousin Elizabeth, touches my heart. She was a real young woman, who rushed to her cousin in haste with a burning desire to share with her all that had happened. The Bible tells us that Mary lived with Elizabeth for three months, probably talking and talking and talking and talking. No doubt, she was also thanking God for her Elizabeth.
So, who is your Elizabeth? Leave a comment and share who she is. We would love to hear about her!
Joanne,
This was a wonderful post. When I think of the Elizabeth in my life, it would have to be my mother Elder Margo Gillespie. She is a part of my wise counsel, my mother, and a dear friend. It was through her faith in Christ that I can to know Him in an intimate way. She speaks and has spoken words of encouragement over my life even when others talked against it to her. In addition, she continually keeps herself before the Lord, seeking Him, and keeping Him first in her life. Her example motivates and encourages me on a regualar basis.
Again, thank you for sharing.
with blessings,
Minister Mamie
Incredible post! I like the lists you gave. It helps me to think through how I can be an Elizabeth to others…a few of the points I need to correct in my life. Thank you for this insightful teaching!
Good thoughts and it’s the second time this week I’ve been challenged about this very thing.