Luke 1:23-25
“How kind the Lord is!”
23 When Zechariah’s week of service in the Temple was over, he returned home. 24 Soon afterward his wife, Elizabeth, became pregnant and went into seclusion for five months. 25 “How kind the Lord is!” she exclaimed. “He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.”
Waiting.
We all have to wait – wait our turn, wait in line, wait until Christmas. Waiting can be full of excitement and anticipation of what’s to come. Waiting can also feel discouraging – especially when it feels like the time of waiting will never end. Have you had a season in your life when you have waited for something – and was it painful to wait?
Waiting to hear results from a test.
Waiting to find Mr or Mrs Right.
Waiting for that pregnancy test to be “positive” this month?
This chapter tells us that Zechariah and Elizabeth had waited for years to become pregnant. They were old. At this point, they could have lost all hope. I imagine they prayed. I imagine they had their friends and family and leaders of the church pray. They were faithfully serving God – and yet had to wait so long for their prayers to be answered.
When I first read this account, I was stopped in my tracks with Elizabeth’s quick response to the angel’s announcement – her long awaited prayer was being answered – she would give birth! IMMEDIATELY she said, “How kind the Lord is!” She didn’t say, “really?” (Like Zechariah did.) This passage makes me wonder 2 things:
After a long season of waiting, would I respond more like Elizabeth or Zechariah.
Truthfully, I think I might answer like Zechariah – “Really? Can this be true? Finally? Don’t tease me, Lord!”
What did Elizabeth do to keep her heart full of hope instead of doubt? What can I do to remain hopeful in the waiting?
We do not know exactly what Elizabeth did to respond so quickly with trust and gratitude. But I would imagine it has a lot to do with how she kept her heart soft before God, allowing Him to keep that hope alive in her. We often say at Calvary, “God is good. So if the situation isn’t good, then God isn’t done yet.” Focusing on God – His character – His goodness, and the promises in scripture of His faithfulness and grace – these are the things that help me from becoming frightened or bitter in the waiting.
Are you waiting?
How’s your heart?
Lean in – listen to God’s love for you, His promises over you. He isn’t done yet.
I googled “hope in Christmas carols” and found many carols from which to choose. Here’s the one that stood out for me that we learned last year. If this one doesn’t resonate with you, try your own google search and find something that allows Holy Spirit to breathe HOPE into your season of waiting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOHSIXZsabo Prince of Heaven, Hillsong
Shared By Janine Armstrong