Daily Scripture Reading: Luke 1:5-25
Faithful Waiting
I am always looking to encounter new things while reading scripture. While the scripture doesn’t change, how I interact with it does. Today we encounter the remarkable story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, a couple described as righteous before God, yet childless. Despite their longing for a child, Elizabeth was barren, and they were advanced in years. One day, as Zechariah served as a priest in the temple, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, announcing that their prayers had been heard, and they would have a son named John.
This narrative holds a profound message for our lives. It reveals that even in our seasons of waiting, when our prayers seem unanswered, God is at work. Zechariah and Elizabeth's story teaches us the value of steadfast faith and trust in God's timing. They remained faithful despite their circumstances, and God intervened in a way they could not have anticipated.
Taryn and I had 3, first trimester miscarriages between our two daughters. It hurt and was hard, but it has allowed us to minister to others. The miscarriages didn’t come from God because hard things and circumstances sometimes happen in life. But all through that time, God was faithful and He continues to be faithful. We made the choice early on to share what happened with others. It was amazing to us how many other couples went through miscarriages and we were able to walk through that journey with them. We know not everyone has the same ending to their story, but we have been blessed by both of our girls and the ministry opportunity this hard season has afforded us with other families going through tough times.
Zechariah's initial disbelief when the angel conveyed the good news serves as a reminder that we, too, may struggle to believe that God can fulfill our deepest desires. Yet, God's promises are unwavering, and His plans unfold in ways that exceed our understanding.
At times, I struggled with the belief that we would be able to have a second child. I was also worried and scared for the emotional and physical health of my wife and child. I can side with Zechariah because if an angel would have foretold how well my children have turned out so far, I am not sure I would have believed it. And as far as I know, Sam and Addison aren’t exactly John the Baptist.
As we reflect on Luke 1:5-25, let it inspire us to persevere in faith, even when circumstances seem bleak. God hears our prayers and orchestrates events in His perfect timing. Like Zechariah and Elizabeth, we may be surprised by the unexpected ways God fulfills His promises.
Questions:
Where do you look for help in your disbelief?
Looking back, where has God shown up in expected and unexpected ways?
What difficult life circumstance could serve as a testimony to others going through the same situation?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, in our seasons of waiting, let us cultivate patience, trusting that God's plan is unfolding, and He is working all things together for our good. May the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth encourage us to maintain unwavering faith in God's promises, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill them in His perfect time. Amen.
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