Faith Over Fearნიმუში

‘Do not be afraid...your prayer has been heard.’ – Luke 1:13 (NIV)

Elizabeth’s story is one of quiet endurance and deep trust. She and Zechariah were righteous before God – faithful, devout and prayerful. Yet for years, they carried the sorrow of unanswered prayer. Their longing for a child was met with silence. And still, she chose to trust.

When God finally answered, at a time and in a way that no one had anticipated, Elizabeth recognised the miracle. Her response did not convey disbelief or resentment, but gratitude and awe. She withdrew, spending five months in seclusion, perhaps not out of shame but in reverence. She gave thanks for the new life growing within her, and for the grace that had lifted her disgrace as a childless woman among the people.

Elizabeth understood that God’s timing rarely matches our own, but his purposes are always good. Her waiting was not wasted; it prepared her to recognise the sacred in the unexpected.

When Mary meets with Elizabeth to share news of the miracle that is happening within her, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Older in years and rich in spiritual insight, she saw what others might have missed. The hand of God at work in Mary’s life. She spoke words of blessing and affirmation, declaring, ‘Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfil his promises to her!’ (Luke 1:45 NIV).

This is a gift of seasoned faith, to recognise God’s movement and to speak courage into the hearts of others. In that sacred moment, as she became a voice of affirmation to someone younger who was walking into the unknown, Elizabeth allows us to see how faith that rises and endures through waiting can become faith that strengthens others, that builds legacy, that speaks life into the next generation.

In a world full of fear and doubt, we need the steady voice of those who have waited well and trusted deeply.

How can you speak words of blessing and affirmation to other generations today?

Faithful God, thank you that you hear every prayer. Like Elizabeth, may I recognise the sacred in the unexpected and speak faith into the hearts of others. Give me eyes to see your hand at work and the courage to encourage today. Amen.