Our Scripture today is taken from the story of the Birth of John the Baptist. In Luke 1:13, his father-to-be, a priest, is serving in the Temple, and we read,
“But the angel said to him, ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.'”
Gabriel tells Zechariah that he and his elderly wife, Elizabeth, will bear a son named John.
This passage illustrates two powerful themes:
First, the effectiveness of prayer.
Second, God’s perfect timing.
Despite their age, Zechariah and Elizabeth’s years of persistent prayer teach us to never give up on our requests to God. The angel’s words, “your prayer has been heard,” remind us that God listens, even when we feel He’s not responding.
Certainly, the couple probably hoped for a child earlier in life, but God’s plan unfolded at the perfect moment. This reminds us that God’s delays are not God’s denials. He may not answer immediately or as expected, but His timing is always perfect.
Have you prayed and thought God was saying “No”? It’s possible He’s saying “Not yet” or “Wait! I have something better.”
He will give you the right answer, at the right time.
I’m Lonnie Davis and these are thoughts worth thinking.