Mentors Wanted
A devotional by Patricia Russell
“Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me?”
–Luke 1:43 (NLT)
Growing up, we often heard a song on the radio, which spoke about the fact that at some point in life we will all need someone to lean on. The words are all true, accurate, and I can almost guarantee we’ve all needed someone to turn to in times of uncertainty. A voice to cheer us on. Someone who has gone before us. Someone we can turn to for advice and support. We call this person a mentor. Mentoring is not something new. Over the years, we have become more aware of how important this is to our personal growth and in all areas of our lives.
When I was growing up, the older women in our church family were the ones we looked to for wisdom. Most times they gave unsolicited wisdom, but looking back, it was valuable and encouraging. There were moments when one would encourage and pray with me about my gifting. They would speak life into me. I watched many of these women, whom I considered superheroes because of the things I saw them do while working, raising their own families and still reaching out to others in need. They were mothers and grandmothers, women of faith. They had walked through deep struggles and knew what it was to persevere. I watched and naturally mirrored much of their behaviour when I grew up. They loved people through action as much as words. They looked beyond people’s faults and saw their needs.
In Luke 1:39-56, we see two women model what it is to be a mentor. Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a mentor as: a trusted counselor or guide. Elizabeth was a mentor to Mary. Though their interaction appears briefly in scripture, the depth of their companionship can teach us lessons today. Elizabeth was older in age. We understand she had passed the age of childbearing, but she had not passed the age of nurturing. The angel told her husband (who served as a faithful priest) that they would become parents. Let’s be honest – if an angel appeared to you in your 50’s or 60’s and told you the thing you had dreamed of all your life was about to come to life, you would have been shocked as well. I know my jaw would have dropped, and I certainly would have asked, “How on earth is this going to be possible?”
Elizabeth was not present at the time the angel announced the pregnancy to her husband. By the way, he lost the ability to speak until the baby was born because he did not believe. Elizabeth, I think, still secretively held out hope of the possibility of becoming pregnant. Her response was:
“How kind the Lord is!” she exclaimed. “He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.” (Luke 1:25 NLT)
Fast forward six months, and the same angel makes a visit to Mary and informs her of God’s favor on her life. He tells her not to be afraid. Mary’s response was one of shock but also one of submission to receive and accept the promise told her. In fact, she rejoiced!
Mary went to visit Elizabeth (her relative) who gave her the encouragement she needed. This, my friend, is what we call mentoring. When someone has gone before us in life and can extend a hand, and offer them hope. This, I believe, is the heart of God for us to not only lead but lift those coming behind us. Jesus prayed a heart-wrenching prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane that we would be one. He prayed we would be united as He and the Father were one. We would be ‘one’ when we can talk with each other, encourage and empower each other to live and walk in the purposes that God has set before us.
This is what I see in these two women and this is what I pray for you. God’s desire is for us to be conformed to His image. We need each other for this to happen. Have you ever considered mentoring someone? It’s an opportunity to empower someone else and bless you also.
Let’s Pray: Father God, thank you for the people you have brought into my life to help me become what you have purposed for me. Help me to be open to being a source of encouragement and uplift to others so they too can become like you. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.
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Author Bio:
Patricia Russell is a speaker, worship leader, author, certified life coach and songwriter.
Patricia had the honour of leading worship at the kick-off event for the 2006 the “Just Give Me Jesus” Toronto Revival with Anne Graham Lotz who is the eldest daughter of Billy Graham, a well-known American evangelist.
Patricia serves in ministry along with her husband Rev. Wayne Russell. Together, they have served as guest hosts on a local early morning call in program called “Nite Lite Live” that formerly aired on the CTS Television Network. They have two adult children: Raquel and Benjamin.
Patricia has recorded two CD’s: “Lord I Trust You” and a live recording “Draw Me Nearer.” She is also an author. Her first book is titled Lord I Trust You: Words of Encouragement. It is meant to further encourage and share life lessons as a result of her cancer journey. She is a co-author of a #1 bestseller book titled Crushed Diamonds Still Sparkle, and she has compiled the recent #1 bestseller book titled Stronger Resilience.
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Connect with Patricia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrussellsings/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/patrussellsings
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrussellonline/
Email: patrussellsings@gmail.com
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