December 17
Luke 1: 23-25 (NKJV) So it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, that he departed to his own house. Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying, “Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”
Today we see that after Zacharias finished his time of service, his wife Elizabeth did indeed conceive and was no longer barren. She is quoted as saying that the Lord took away her reproach among the people. It was a big deal to be barren in those days…you were looked at as being one who was not receiving God’s blessing or one who was being disciplined for some sin you had committed.
I minister to a lot of women who have suffered with infertility issues, miscarriages, stillbirths, SIDS and infant loss ~ and this is a very hard portion of scripture for them to hear or read. But think about this for a moment…Elizabeth was barren and advanced in her years when God sent an angel down to announce that she would conceive a son…and not just any son…but the one who had been prophesied about some 400 years before and who would prepare the way of the Lord.
Do you think that she would be going crazy with awe and love for the Lord? All glory goes to God here because there was no way for this to have been accomplished without divine intervention. I look at her barrenness not as a punishment, but as a blessing. Think of all the things she learned and the strength she gained in Him before she conceived which prepared her to raise John.
What have you faced this year that was huge? Is there a promise from God’s word that you are clinging to, a desire you are hoping is fulfilled? Does it seem like God is far away from you? Do you feel alone, depressed, forsaken, abandoned, or hopeless?
He loves you so much. I do not know why things are the way that they are now, but be assured, if you are a child of God, you are not forsaken, abandoned or alone ~ He is right there with you. He wants you to take hope in Him and trust fully that He will work your situation for good because you love Him. It may not be exactly how you want it…but it will be that which is best for your life both now and in the future. I know when you are in the heat of the trial or trouble that this is the last thing you want to hear or believe, but it is true. Hold tight to Him, trust Him, and abide in Him.
Ask God for strength, wisdom, and discernment to do His will ~ then do what He says. Keep yourself in prayer and His Word because He will lead you and help you. He loves you so much and calls you His own.
Merry Christmas ~ Laurie Kay
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