Worship More and Worry Less: 30 Days of Praiseنموونە

I’ve been praying for something for a long time. It’s probably been thirty years or so, give or take a few. Honestly, it’s been such a long time, I’ve often given up. But once in a while something stirs the ache, and I find myself praying the same petition again even though I’ve prayed for God to take this desire away. I just want to be content where He has me.

However, it does bring me comfort to know my unanswered prayer is nothing new. Long, waiting petitions fill the pages of the Bible from beginning to end. Biblical character after character experiences waiting on God to fulfill a prayer. One of those people resides in the Christmas story. Her role, often overlooked, I hold close to my heart as one of my favorites. Her name was Elizabeth.

Luke tells the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, two very old, righteous, yet childless people. There’s no doubt in my mind that Elizabeth prayed for a long time for a baby, but month after month, year after year, no baby grew in her womb. Yet when there was no hope, God answered that prayer. Gabriel informed Zechariah of this miracle in Luke 1:11-13.

Gabriel proclaimed God heard Zechariah’s prayer. When Jewish people spoke of God “hearing” their prayer, they meant that God acted on it. “Hearing” had nothing to do with the ear but rather His active hand. Elizabeth and Zechariah’s heart prayer, their ache, would soon be fulfilled. Not only that, but Elizabeth would be the sign for Mary.

God’s Timing is Perfect

Oh, my friends, I can relate to the anguish of waiting. I know the physical heart throb of unanswered prayers. I don’t like the “wait” word any more than anyone else. And I hate it when good-meaning people say, “His timing is perfect.” Yet, Elizabeth’s story stirs something powerful within me.

You see, Elizabeth’s story is one of miracles. Hers is a portrait of God’s goodness and love. He not only blessed her with a son, but also Mary ran to her home. Elizabeth, pregnant way beyond her child-bearing years, stood as the tangible evidence of God’s truth and grace. She wouldn’t have had such a privilege had she already had a child.

Today’s scripture proclaims praise for answered prayer. Even if your prayer hasn’t been answered yet, use these words to worship the Lord ahead of the answer. He is faithful.

Journal

Write down your prayer and praise His wisdom, timing, and faithfulness.