Zechariah's Prayer

Luke 1:5-18

For years Zechariah and Elizabeth had prayed for a child, longing to be parents, but their prayer seemed unanswered. They were “righteous in the sight of God.” They were “good people,” but still Elizabeth was unable to conceive. By this time, any hope of being parents had vanished, as “they were both very old.”

But our God is a God of surprises, of the unexpected. He hears our prayers—no matter how big or small, simple or complex, straightforward or seemingly challenging—each and every prayer. He answers all of them.

God knew the longing of Zechariah's and Elizabeth’s hearts. He knew how much they wanted a child. When they least expected it, an angel appeared. Gabriel told Zechariah news that he never expected to hear: “Your wife Elizabeth will bear a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.”

My guess? Zechariah and Elizabeth never completely gave up; they continued to pray. And in God’s perfect timing, He answered their prayer. And He will answer yours as well.

QUESTIONS:

1. Have you ever prayed for something and it seemed as though God didn’t even hear you? How did you feel? How did you respond?

2. What are you praying for these days? Are you willing to trust God to answer in His perfect timing, In His perfect way?

PRAYER:

God of hope, in this season of wonder and awe, continue to surprise us with Your answers to our prayers, in ways only You could.

Becki Bork