Priest Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth lived a righteous life before God. They observed all of God's laws. They were exemplary believers of God. Yet they also had a life problem. They were childless, and they already became very old. They might have asked God many times, "Why?" But somehow, they were barren until now.

Still, behind the scenes, God was preparing them to become parents of the forerunner of Christ: John the Baptist. At the same time, God was preparing the best child for the couple. An angel appeared to Zechariah during his priestly duty and told him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John." The angel added that John will make people ready for Jesus' arrival.

In our times of struggle, God is still working. Rather than asking why and doubting God's love, we should trust in God's good plan for us. In his time, God answers our prayer in the best way. After this, Elizabeth became pregnant as the angel foretold. "The Lord has done this for me," she said. "In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people." Surely, God is always working throughout world history and even in our lives. When we continue to trust in him, he will show us his favor and make us shine like the stars.


Application: Lord, help us wait on you instead of becoming impatient.
One Word: The Lord has done this