Expectation, a good thing to have

The angel Gabriel told Mary in Luke 1:36 that her cousin Elizabeth was pregnant in her old age- an impossible miracle of God. A few days after hearing what God had planned for her future, Mary went to see Elizabeth. ^“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” Luke 1:41-45

Elizabeth greets Mary with a sense of wonder and awe that she was blessed to be chosen of God to bear the Messiah. She proclaims her faith in God and revels in the expectation of what God will do within Mary. Her expectation is affirmed by her own baby leaping within her.

When was the last time you were filled with expectation for God? Do you pray expecting God to answer? Do you anticipate with joy the things God will do? Hebrews 11:1 tells us “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Elizabeth was sure that God could and would accomplish His purpose and that Mary would be blessed for her obedience. Seek to capture some of Elizabeth’s joy and conviction in your life today. Know that God’s will will be accomplished in your life and that He cares for you. Cling to Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. God has good things, a purpose and plan for you just as He did for Mary and Elizabeth. With faith, Trust Him in expectation today.