Like her husband, Zechariah, Elizabeth was advanced in years. Any hope that the couple had harboured for a child had long since passed. And this despite them both having lived righteous lives, obeying all the commandments of the Lord. One can only imagine their disappointment at their failure to become parents, and how their sadness only deepened as the families of those around them continued to grow.
But in their deep and lasting sorrow, characteristic of so many others who today bear similar burdens, they were visited by an angel who brought, for Zechariah at least, unbelievable news – that God had heard their prayers and that Elizabeth, in her old age, would give birth to a son whom they were to call John [Luke 1:13]. And even more remarkably, out of their years of waiting would come one who would play a significant role in God’s eternal plan of redemption. For not only would John one day baptise Jesus, he would also declare Him to be the Lamb of God who had come to take away the sins of the world. [John 1:29]
So then, without suggesting for one second that He will always answer our prayers in the way that we would like – as many still childless couples will testify – it remains the case that His plans for us are always so much better than our own. And because nothing is impossible for God, there is hope in our hopelessness, and all is not lost, no matter how difficult our situation might be. [Mark 10:27]
The God of hope can be trusted. As we believe in Him, He will, by His Spirit, fill us with all joy and peace – even in the chaos of a sadness that perhaps continues to linger.
And we can have genuine confidence in the future. Because for those who love God, and are called according to His purposes, He will work even the most distressing of circumstances for both their good and His glory. [Romans 8:28]
To read Day 3 from 2023, click here
To read Day 3 from 2024, click here
Some musings 