Today’s scripture: Luke 1:5-17 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Lynnette Pullen):
By now, we all know that our ticket to heaven is not paid by how many good deeds we do or how many rules we keep. And probably by now, we realize that although we are not bound by rules and regulations, they play an important role in shaping our ethics and values and help keep us on the road to righteousness. Most of us want to keep the rules; we want to do the right thing. What happens when we do what we feel is right but our prayers don’t get answered? I’m not referring to things that God has clearly closed the door on. I mean those things that you thought God said “yes” to, but it hasn’t materialized.
Maybe it has been weeks, months, or even years since you felt like God said “yes” and you haven’t seen any results. Maybe it was supposed to be a new job, a spouse, a home or, in the case of Zechariah and Elizabeth, a child. How do we deal with the disappointment and pain of waiting? How do we keep praying when God seems to be silent? I have to admit, I have more questions than answers on this subject. I won’t even pretend to know how to wait on God; I just know that it is something we all must endure.
Please know that you are alone and that we all must sit in “God’s waiting room” for an indeterminate amount of time. I can offer these few words of encouragement for those of us in wait: God is faithful and loyal. I cannot promise that you will receive exactly what you want, but I know with unwavering certainty that you will get exactly what you need when you need it. That can come in many forms and under any circumstance. In our passage today, Elizabeth and Zechariah conceived when Elizabeth was barren and past childbearing age.
If you are like me, you might be thinking “Well, that was back then and God doesn’t do things like that now.” Not so fast. I know you are tired of waiting but I also know God hears you. Hold on just a little longer, don’t give up. As verse 13 says, “Do not be afraid . . . your prayer has been heard.”
Prayer for today: God, we sometimes get weary of waiting for our prayers to be answered. We get discouraged and defeated. Please help us to have patience and remember you have not forgotten about our needs. Give us strength to endure this part of journey. We trust you implicitly and know that you love us. Help us to see the light at the end of the tunnel and teach us to never give up. Amen.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.