Luke Chapter 1

​“Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.”
Luke 1:56 (NIV)
 
     We are told Mary stayed with Elizabeth for almost three months. This means Mary was with Elizabeth during her cousin’s last trimester of pregnancy. Can you imagine the rich fellowship these two women shared? My mind reels thinking about the conversations which transpired between Elizabeth, who is the mother of the one preparing the Way and Mary, who is the mother of the one who is the Way.

​     What joy these two women must have shared during Elizabeth’s final stages of pregnancy. Moreover, what comfort Mary must have felt in her own progressing pregnancy to be with a family member who was likewise pregnant due to miraculous means. Both Elizabeth and Mary share a supernatural experience which most would never understand. How kind of the Lord to give these two women to each other to share in such a special and miraculous time. After all, remember that Elizabeth was not able to fully share her pregnancy with Zachariah because he was rendered mute whereas Mary’s betrothed initially tried to divorce her. What comfort, delight, and blessing these two women must have derived from each other’s presence.
     But this observation begs a question. Do you have a close friend in the Lord who is like family and can share in your joys, trials, and hardships? Someone in whom you can confide and trust? Someone in whom you can grow together with in the Lord and experience God’s every day and big miracles? If you do not, I encourage you to ask God to place such a person in your path in which to share life. Ask God to align your relationships with a likeminded community of friends. May God be glorified from our close fellowship with other believers that we may encourage and lift one another up. And may we share with one another the wonderful, great deeds He has done!