When the angel told Mary, “Consider your relative Elizabeth,” it was more than reassurance. It was an invitation to reflect. There is much to glean from considering Elizabeth’s life. Hers is a life that embodies the kind of faith that produces deep inner calm, the kind many of us long for in uncertain moments. As I’ve considered her, I see several qualities worth cultivating in each of us.
And consider your relative Elizabeth — even she has conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called childless. Luke 1:36 CSB
Trust in God, not the outcome.
Elizabeth’s story shows us how to trust the Lord while we wait. For years, she lived with unanswered prayers, yet remained faithful. Her obedience wasn’t dependent on getting what she wanted. She trusted God no matter what.
Have confidence in God’s authority and timing.
When her circumstances finally changed, Elizabeth didn’t credit luck, timing, or even her own faithfulness. She recognized the Lord’s hand at work. Her perspective reminds us that God is always at work, even when we cannot yet see it.
Live aware of God’s presence.
After years of waiting, Elizabeth didn’t speak as though God had abandoned her. Instead, she rejoiced that He had “looked upon” her. Her faith interpreted life through the lens of His attentiveness, not His delayed answer to her prayers.
Choose peace over panic.
When Mary visits, Elizabeth responds with joy, blessing, and clarity. There is no trace of anxiety or comparison, only spirit-filled confidence. Her response reveals a heart at rest in God’s plans.
Let faith be formed over time.
The faith Elizabeth modeled does not appear overnight. It is shaped through years of obedience, disappointment, and endurance. Elizabeth reminds us that deep faith is developed, not instantaneous.
See your life as part of a bigger story.
Elizabeth’s story is always connected to something greater. From her introduction as Zechariah’s wife to her recognition of Mary as the mother of our Lord, she accepts her role in God’s unfolding plan. Her life is not centered on herself, but on what God is doing in the world.
To “consider your relative” is to look closely and learn intentionally. Elizabeth’s life invites us into a depth of faith that is calm, resilient, and rooted in God’s character. It is the kind of faith that remains steady before the storm passes, because it knows who holds the storm.
As we reflect on her example, the question becomes personal. What would it look like to embody this same calm, resilient trust in God’s plan for your life today?
*For those of you who prayer walk, take time to ponder the phrase ‘calm, resilient trust’. For your copy of this week’s screensaver click here. And to access all of my YouVersion Bible App devotional plans click here.