“And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord.” (Luke 1:6, ESV)
Sometimes life disappoints us. We have hopes and dreams that remain unfulfilled, even after fervent prayers. That may have been the story of Zechariah, a priest from the tribe of Levi, and Elizabeth, his wife. For many years the couple had desired a child and prayed earnestly about it, but their prayers remained unanswered. As time passed and they were no longer in their childbearing years, their dreams became disappointed memories of what might have been.
Then, one day an angel appeared to Zechariah as he served in the Temple. What an experience that was!
Zechariah entered the Holy Place to burn incense before the Lord. While performing this priestly duty, an angel of the Lord appeared on the right side of the altar. Zechariah responded as most of us probably would. He became troubled by the encounter and even fearful. The message of the angel was as astonishing as his sudden appearance.
“But the angel said to him, ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.’” (Luke 1:13, ESV)
The part of the angel’s announcement that I immediately noticed was, “Your prayer has been heard.” God took note of the couple’s unwavering faithfulness in worshiping Him. We are not told how many years they prayed for a child, but God’s timing—as always—was perfect. And the son the angel said would be born? We know him as John the Baptist.
Zechariah, Elizabeth, and their yet unborn child became part of the nativity story when Mary, a young relative, came to visit Elizabeth. In Luke 1:41, we read that the child in Elizabeth’s womb immediately recognized the child in Mary’s womb.
“And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.” (ESV)
What neither woman knew was that a little over thirty years later, Elizabeth’s son, John, would baptize Mary’s son, Jesus, at the beginning of His ministry (Matthew 3).
(For more of Zechariah and Elizabeth’s story, read Luke chapter 1).
When the angel Gabriel declared that he and his wife, Elizabeth, would have a son, Zechariah felt doubtful. They had prayed for many years, seemingly to no avail. Even in their disappointment, however, the couple did not grow bitter or forsake God. Luke 1:6 says they were “righteous before God, walking blamelessly.” They held onto their faith even as they let go of their dream.
Have you been disappointed because of unfulfilled prayers? Are you able to turn your dreams over to the Lord and allow Him to do as He will? Or do you secretly harbor resentment because others seem to have their prayers answered while God ignores yours?
We should never doubt God’s ability to answer our prayers. Luke 1:37 assures us, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” Instead of feeling disappointed or resentful because of your unanswered prayer, feel thankful that God’s wisdom far exceeds ours. He knows what is best for you and will always respond out of love.
Like Zechariah and Elizabeth, hold onto your faith and release your dream to God. His ways are best.
Lord, even when my prayers are not answered in the way I desire, I know that You do all things well. I surrender my desires and dreams to you, knowing that whatever You do in my life is done with love and is for my good. Thank You for guiding my steps and protecting me in this journey of life. I love You and trust You.
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