Zechariah

August 25

Luke 1:8-18

“I am too old”

For four hundred years, the Lord had not spoken to the people of Israel. There were no prophets—just a promise of someone who would come to save people from their sins.

There was a priest named Zechariah. He was married to Elizabeth. They were good people who loved the Lord; and although they were old, they did not have children because Elizabeth could not become pregnant.

One day, while Zechariah was in the Temple burning incense on the altar, an angel of the Lord appeared to him. Zechariah was surprised and afraid.

The angel said, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah. The Lord has heard your prayers. Your wife Elizabeth will have a son.”

Zechariah answered, “How do I know that this will happen, for I am old and my wife is also old?”

Will God answer a prayer I have forgotten about?

When we ask God for something specific, there is no way we can know for sure how He will answer, or when He will answer. When we pray, and there seems to be no answer for a long time, does it mean that God has said ‘no’ to our prayer? Or can it be that He will give us what we have asked for, but that we may have to wait weeks, months, or even years before our prayer is answered?

Who knows how long Zechariah had been praying for a child. Now that he was old, he may have wondered whether he should stop praying, for it seemed as though God had a different plan.

Is there a point at which we should simply accept that God has answered our prayer, but not in the way we expected?

Until God shows you that He has already answered—keep praying! As long as it is important to you—keep praying. As long as the Holy Spirit keeps reminding you to pray—keep praying. If God has given you a specific promise—keep praying!

Verse for today      

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2