In the New Testament, we find many women who display aspects of every gift of the Spirit, whether or not they were aware of it.

For example, take the Samaritan woman at the well, whose name is lost to history (see John 4:7-29). Jesus singled her out, and she is considered by many to be the first true evangelist in the Bible.

When she told the townspeople the Good News about the Christ, many of them believed.

Consider Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist and cousin of Mary, the mother of our Lord Jesus.

Both of these devout women were active in prayer, worship and faithful waiting on the Lord for the fulfillment of His prophetic promises. The interchange between these God-fearing women resulted in exuberant praises and prophesying concerning the destiny of Mary’s child, the Messiah Jesus. The magnificent prophetic exchange that unfolded is recorded in Luke 1:39-55.