Encouragement in Expectation: Biblical Examples of Waiting on God
Waiting with confident expectations is often a grueling task for our human hearts. In His kindness, our Father has recorded many examples of women who waited expectantly to see God act. Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Hannah, Samson’s mother, and Elizabeth are examples of what it looks like to wait expectantly for God to act.
Elizabeth is a wonderful example of a godly woman who speaks such kind and joyous words to a young virgin. In Luke 1 we see the delightful exchange between Elizabeth and Mary. Elizabeth, a woman of “advanced maternal age” is greeted by her young cousin. The unwed Mary has been told that she will carry the Messiah. Instead of speaking begrudgingly to Mary, Elizabeth articulates such sweet words to Mary.
“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill what he has spoken to her!” (Luke 1:45 CSB)
What a genuine love Elizabeth shows Mary. As Mary faces the ridicule and shame of being an unwed mother in her culture, Elizabeth confirms that this is from the Lord. Elizabeth draws on her own experience from walking with Yahweh. Each kick and movement of John is a tangible reminder to Elizabeth that God is fulfilling what He promised. Elizabeth knew the blessedness of trusting God’s promises and affirmed the same for Mary.
In my seasons of waiting, I often found my heart comparing what others had to what I felt I lacked. How different could my encounters with others have been if I followed Elizabeth’s example of encouragement and expectation?
Knowing that we will be faced with seasons of waiting, we can commit to living the loving pattern set before us. Trusting God to equip us to be women who encourage and commend our sisters as their faith in God is displayed. Even in the face of hard circumstances, we can prompt others to trust what God is doing in their lives; He is working to bring Himself glory and them good all the days of their lives. (Ps 23:6)
How can you encourage another sister this week? Let us commit to speaking of the work God is doing in our sister’s lives, so together we can find this blessedness in entrusting ourselves to a faithful God. (I Peter 4:19)
Meet the Author
JoAnna Baird
JoAnna, her husband of 3 years, Daniel, and their one year old daughter reside in Greenville, SC. Her days are filled with the joyful mundane tasks of being a homemaker and mother. She is passionate about pointing others to Jesus through the truths and promises found in His Word.
When time allows, JoAnna dabbles in her hobbies of sewing, baking, thrifting, and gardening. Her ideal day would begin with coffee followed by spending time with family building lifelong memories.
