Day Four

December 6

Yesterday we discussed how we can encourage one another in our faith. Did you know Scripture instructs women of faith to be intentional about this? Titus 2:3–5 reads, “Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.”

I’m involved with Heartfelt Ministries (www.heartfeltministries.org), a powerful church program that helps older women say yes to God’s call to encourage and mentor younger women. Perhaps it’s helped open my eyes, but I’ve never considered the mentoring aspect of Mary and Elizabeth’s story until now. As I see Gabriel nudging the chosen mother of Jesus into the company of her older relative, I find myself soberly considering both Elizabeth’s responsibility to speak truth to Mary, and Mary’s need to have ears to hear!

4) Whether you’re a younger woman reading these words or a more mature believer, will considering this God-arranged meeting between Mary and Eizabeth impact the way you think about mentoring or being mentored? If so, how?

Hugs,
Shellie