But as we read in Luke’s gospel about the virgin birth, Elizabeth, by the Holy Spirit, could see and discern Mary was with child. Being empowered by the Spirit, she begins to prophesy about Jesus. Even John, in her womb, leaps as Mary enters—the Holy Spirit upon him as promised!
In this part of the story of Christ’s birth, we see an example of how faith sees, or discerns, the unseen. In this case, both the natural reality of a child in the womb and the eternal promise of God the Messiah growing within Mary.
Real faith operates in the unseen realm
The seen realm, that which we understand with our senses and circumstances, is temporary, not eternal. Therefore, Paul could boldly say in 2 Cor. 5:7, “the just shall live by faith.” (NKJV)
Paul wrote in his first letter to the Corinthians an important truth regarding the unseen world and the role the Holy Spirit plays in revelation to us:
9 But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 1 Cor. 2:9-10 NKJV
