She unfolds the stories of Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna, all chosen by God and who give their hearts fully to Him. Elizabeth is barren, yet her trust in God remains. Mary is betrothed in marriage, yet she is willing to bear God's son. Anna is a widow, yet she waits patiently, prayerfully for the Messiah to appear in the temple courts.
Liz Curtis Higgs unpacks verse after verse of these women in a wonderful conversational style.
Elizabeth, a woman God sees when she is beyond her child bearing years. A miracle before the bigger miracle. A life touched. "What's the opposite of disgrace? Ah. Grace. God filled her with his favor, his mercy, his loving kindness. Then he filled her with her son from the seed of Zachariah."
Mary, the mother of Christ. I relearn her story in the writing. "God didn't choose Mary because she was unique. Mary was unique because God chose her. He knew her tender heart, her trusting nature, her abiding faith, her humble spirit. He who formed her in her mother's womb would soon form his Son in Mary's womb." Through Mary I am reminded once again of God's divine plan unfolding in daily life. At any given time, life can change dramatically. It's no surprise to God, yet a surprise to us.
Anna, the prophetess. I'm in awe of her too. She's plugged in. She keeps informed; she stays informed; she reaches beyond her comfort zone; she cares deeply about people. Above all, she has a relationship with God that shines around her like sunlight. She recognized Jesus in the temple. She knows He is the Messiah.
Elizabeth, Mary and Anna are among those who have heard God's truth and have gladly given Him glory. They all made room for the Hero of this story.
Amen! Oh, what glory!