In this story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, I’m pleased with
what God reminded me again today regarding prayer.
Zechariah a priest was serving in the temple. Gabriel the angel of the Lord appeared to him
and said, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your
wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.” (v13)
There are a lot of specifics in this announcement!
A child is coming. A son! He will be a joy & delight to
you. Other people are going to rejoice
at his birth. The details of his life are given, “no fermented drink” for him.
He will be great and filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth.
Was that Zechariah and Elizabeth's prayer?
I think they just asked for a baby!
New parents often say, “Children don’t come with instructions.”
Yet this child will arrive with instructions! Details ordained by God!
Do we realize that praying to the Lord is more than a request?
God doesn’t grant wishes.
He is a Sovereign, Powerful, All-knowing God who inclines, bends, comes low, and turns his ear to the righteous for his purposes. (Psalm 116:2)
The book of James says the prayer of a righteous
person is powerful and effective. The
power and effectiveness lie in the One that can answer our heart’s concerns,
burdens, and requests.
Answers to our prayers are intertwined with God’s sovereign
plan. Do you want his plan to unfold?
It wasn’t just Zechariah praying; Elizabeth was also calling
on Yahweh!
Even when Zechariah questioned God’s message, God's mercy fulfilled it. God’s plan unfolded
and the forerunner to the Savior was born.
Scripture reminds us to acknowledge the Lord in all our ways. We can approach God, ask anything according
to his will and he hears us. (1 John
5:14-15)
There is so much to learn from Luke 1.
But today it’s simple for me.
Trust in God.
Keep calling on his Name. Don’t
give up. Knock, knock knock!
Don’t be surprised how he answers.
Prayers don't vanish. Time doesn't negate an answer. God hears us!
The answer is in His Perfect Plan!
God bless you!~Liz
