The Blessing of Opportunity

“She who has believed is blessed because what was spoken to her by the Lord will be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:45

The words above were spoken by Elizabeth wife of Zechariah to Mary when she went to visit Elizabeth. This most likely happened shortly after Gabriel made his startling announcement to Mary. Mary arrived and greeted Elizabeth. Luke then tells us that when Elizabeth heard Mary’s voice, the baby in her leaped, and Elizabeth was with filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke a blessing to Mary, explaining what her baby did when she heard Mary’s voice. Then she made the statement above. Elizabeth was saying that Mary was blessed because she believed, and that what was spoken of her and to her would be fulfilled.
But here’s the thing: Elizabeth did not know yet that Gabriel had appeared to Mary. She did not yet know all that had transpired, though she spoke as if she did. This means that Elizabeth was speaking prophetically, as the Holy Spirit in her was prompting her. These were words of blessing and affirmation for Mary.
Each day that we live, we, like Elizabeth, have opportunity to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and we have opportunity, by following the promptings of the Holy Spirit, to speak words of blessing and affirmation to someone. Is there someone you can speak words of blessing and affirmation to today? Ask the Holy Spirit to use you to bless and affirm someone before the end of the day.

Lord, May we each bless and affirm someone today in Your name, for Your glory. Amen.