11/12/2021
The book of Luke records the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, the parents of John the baptist. There are 3 beautiful lessons we learn from these 2 characters.
1) Your prayer is valuable: When the angel appears to Zachariah in the most holy place. The 1st thing the angel says is :"Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer." (Luke 1:13) The angel DOESN'T say 'God has a plan and He is implementing through you'. Now think with me : When the angel says that and says that they will have a child soon, Zachariah's response was not -'wow'. His response was "How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.” (vs18) Now look at this : Zachariah instead of feeling happy, he is doubting the angel. Why is he doubting? Like didn't he have faith while praying? OR OR...maybe he prayed in faith when they were young but as they came to middle age, the faith left and prayer remained. And after they came to old age, the prayer too left. Now when he hears the prayer is answered, He can't believe it. Just like some of us, we had faith that God will do this miracle so we prayed. Prayed hard. After a while, when we didn't see the miracle, our faith left and prayer remained. Maybe it has also come to a point that our prayer also left us. But God still counts your prayers as valuables. Zachariah lost faith in his prayer or maybe even stopped praying but God heard it. God is hearing your prayer too. Your prayers are valuable.
2) His timing is perfect : For you and me things are delayed but for God, it's happening on time. But they had to wait. Sometimes, we are barren for a reason. As much as you are waiting for the miracle. God is waiting for the right timing. That's why the bible says: 'He will make all things beautiful in His time." Trust His timing. He will never disappoint you.
3) Your story is important : Your story brings hope to people just like Zachariah and Elizabeth's story. Just like Abraham and Sarah's story. God is taking your story and joining His story to make HISTORY. Your impossible situation is waiting for His right timing and tells a story of HOPE. So don't give up.
- Ps. Praveen Raj
