Waiting for JesusSample

NONE OF YOUR WAITING IS WASTED

Advent reminds us that God wants to use waiting to transform us.

The Gospels tell us about a married couple, Zechariah and Elizabeth, who had to wait to have a baby: “In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly” (Luke 1:5–6, NIV).

It’s noteworthy that the gospel writer, Luke, mentioned their religious power and lineage. A first-century Jew would probably think that because of how righteous they were, Zechariah and Elizabeth would have a great number of kids. In their culture, it was assumed that the size of your family reflected God’s favor.

That’s why the next sentence in Luke’s account would have stunned his readers: “They were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old” (Luke 1:7, NIV).

How could this righteous couple be childless? Zechariah’s name means “whom the Lord remembers.” But had God forgotten them?

When Zechariah is chosen to perform temple duties on one of the most holy days, in the most holy part of the temple, an angel named Gabriel appears and tells him God has heard his prayer. He will have a son (John the Baptist), who will prepare the way for the Messiah.

This news is incredible. But what I find particularly astonishing is their attitude toward God even in the painful waiting. They could have turned bitter and resentful. Instead, they held on to God in prayer. They did not get what they desperately desired and still remained faithful.

I’m sure their waiting was not perfect. Your waiting will not be perfect either. But even in the valley, it’s possible to remain close to God.

That is the essence of prayer.

Prayer is not about staying connected to God because of what he will give us; it is about staying connected to him even when we don’t get what we want. Like he did for Zech­ariah and Elizabeth, God may bless you with what you’ve been longing for. But even if he doesn’t, his affection is set upon you, and none of your waiting is wasted.

Which part of Zechariah and Eliz­abeth’s story do you identify with most in this season?