Cousins- Day 1

 

All of our grandchildren have at least 13 cousins.  I pray often that they will always love one another well and be there for support for one another the rest of their lives.

My favorite cousin story in the Bible is that of Elizabeth and Mary and I want to dwell on their relationship a few days. Somehow I came across an article that laid out the importance of mentioning for me.  I copied the article and noted that it was from a ministry called "What Then Why."  Now I can't find that site anywhere and I don't think the article notes the author, so I apologize, but it's just too good not to share over the next couple days.

So, here we go...

“Elizabeth’s young cousin, Mary, also became pregnant through miraculous means. This young woman, who pondered much in her heart, made the journey to see her older relative. Why did Mary go to Elizabeth? Was it solely because she knew she was experiencing a miracle pregnancy too? In her time of uncertainty and turmoil, there must have been something safe and compassionate about Elizabeth for Mary to turn to her. Elizabeth was older and presumably wiser. She must have had a good reputation for there to be universal happiness on her good news. And maybe her heart had become etched with grace due to the pain she had carried at her barrenness."

Have you ever been open to God's call on you to be a mentor?  Let's unpack some of the things a woman should look for in a mentor.

The mentor could relate from personal experience- 

     Elizabeth  experiencing a miracle pregnancy too.

The mentor was viewed as a safe, compassionate place.

     In a time of uncertainty and turmoil, there must have been something safe            and compassionate about Elizabeth.

The mentor was respected.

    Elizabeth was older and presumably wiser. She must have had a good                  reputation.

The mentor had a sympathetic heart that comes out of a place of pain.

   her  heart had become etched with grace due to the pain 

Pray and ask the Lord to place in your path someone who He has equipped you to encourage.

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

The Song   

“Encourage One Another” Mark Burrows

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZe_iw31MgI