StorytellerIhe Atụ

Zechariah and Elizabeth had prayed for a child for a long time. And, of course, they struggled in the wait. Sometimes, they even felt like God was causing them pain and heartache. It’s understandable, as it had been a long, hard journey of unanswered prayer. Still, even though God’s answer seemed to be “no,” and even though they struggled with it, Zechariah and Elizabeth continued to be faithful to God. It’s difficult to trust God when He can meet a desire in our hearts, but He doesn’t do it on our time… or even at all! But Zechariah and Elizabeth trusted in God’s goodness, even before they knew the outcome. And eventually, the answer came. The older couple did have a child, and as it turned out, God had a special reason for holding off on answering their prayer request for so long: God wanted the faithful Zechariah and Elizabeth to be the parents of the way-preparer of the Messiah.

God’s answer to their long-time prayer wasn’t “no.” It was, “Wait. I hear you. My timing is going to be just right.” May we remember this answer may be true for us, too. And may we hold on to God’s goodness no matter the outcome.