Written by: Gwen Dickerson
The story of Mary and Elizabeth in Luke 1 is one of the sweetest reminders that
God knows exactly what we need, when we need it, and who we need alongside
us.
Elizabeth and her husband Zacharias were described as “righteous before God,
walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless” (Luke
1:6). Yet they carried a deep heartache—Elizabeth was barren, and now, well
advanced in years. For decades they had been faithful, yet their prayers for a
child seemed unanswered.
But then, after 400 years of silence since the last prophet, God broke through
with miraculous news. An angel told Zacharias that Elizabeth would bear a son—
John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ.
Even in that joyful moment, Elizabeth experienced loneliness. Many would not
understand, and her husband was struck mute until the baby’s birth. But God, in
His perfect timing, sent her something better than human approval—He sent her
Mary.
When Mary herself received the news that she would conceive the Son of God,
she “went into the hill country with haste” to see her cousin Elizabeth (Luke 1:39).
The two women shared what no one else could truly understand: the miraculous,
overwhelming hand of God in their lives. In His kindness, God gave them each
other for encouragement, support, and joy.
This story teaches us three timeless lessons:
1. God’s Timing is Always Perfect
Elizabeth may have thought her chance of being a mother was long gone, but
God was not late. His plan was unfolding right on schedule. Scripture reminds us:
- “He hath made every thing beautiful in his time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
- “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we
faint not” (Galatians 6:9).
In your own life, you may be praying for something that feels delayed or
impossible. Elizabeth’s story reminds us that God’s silence is never His absence.
He sees, He hears, and He is working behind the scenes to bring about His
perfect plan.
2. Godly Friendships are a Gift
Mary and Elizabeth’s friendship was no accident—it was divinely arranged. God
placed them together at the exact moment they needed encouragement most.
Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the
countenance of his friend.”
We need friendships that point us back to the Lord. Titus 2 reminds older women
to be examples and teachers, and younger women to learn and follow faithfully.
God designed His people to grow in community, not isolation.
Think about your own life:
- Who are your “Elizabeths”—those women you look to as examples of
faithfulness through trials? - Who are your “Marys”—the ones you can encourage, mentor, and invest in
as they walk with the Lord?
If you don’t have those kinds of relationships, pray and ask God to send them.
He delights in giving us friendships that strengthen our faith.
3. God Deserves All Our Praise
The result of both Elizabeth’s and Mary’s stories was great rejoicing. Neighbors
and relatives glorified God when John was born, and the shepherds praised Him
when Jesus came.
Psalm 34 reminds us:
- “I will bless the LORD at all times: His praise shall continually be in my
mouth” (v.1). - “O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together” (v.3).
Praise isn’t just for the mountaintops—it’s also for the valleys. When we live a life
of praise, even in difficulty, others see God’s goodness reflected in us and are
encouraged to glorify Him too.
A Challenge for Us
Elizabeth and Mary’s story isn’t just a sweet Bible account—it’s a call to action for
us today.
Be an Elizabeth—faithful and steady, the kind of woman whose walk with God
inspires others to trust Him. And find a Mary—someone younger in the faith, or
walking through a season you’ve already endured, who needs your
encouragement and example.
God’s timing is never late. His friendships are never accidental. And His praise
should always be on our lips.
Let’s be women who trust His timing, treasure His friendships, and live lives that
bring Him glory