WAIT FOR WHAT?
Have you ever arrived early or on time for an appointment yet waited longer than expected? And then received no explanation for the delay? If yes, you can begin to understand Zacharias and Elisabeth’s dilemma. Rumors circulated regarding their inability to conceive. Whisperers speculated about the sin or sins this couple had committed and perhaps persisted in. These naysayers didn’t have the benefit of reading what God said when He called Zacharias “righteous ... walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless” (Luke 1:6a, KJV). Folks based their blame on what they saw – a childless couple. Since Zacharias and Elisabeth were “well stricken in years” (ouch!), the hope of having children had not only diminished, it lay crushed beneath their feet. Perhaps at this point in their lives, they no longer expected an answer to this prayer. They’d stopped asking for this blessing, this gift from the Lord. Why wait for something that won’t happen? Sound familiar? There’s a buzz phrase these days that has caught fire: but God. Yes! BUT GOD! Never early, never late, always right on time! Praise His Holy Name! Not only is His timing perfect, He exceeds our expectations! Would Zacharias and Elisabeth’s prayers have included, “and by the way, if you please, Lord, could our son be the forerunner and cousin of our Messiah?” Doubtful. God’s word is replete with examples of many who grew old and tired, yet still waited for answers to their prayers. He not only answered but surpassed their requests:
What about Joseph who languished in prison for at least a decade? Waiting. Did God exceed his expectations? Yes! How else does a prisoner become second in command of a country?
How about David who likely spent his teens and twenties running and hiding while he waited for the fulfillment of God’s promise to him? Not only did he ascend to the throne, God calls David a man after His own heart!
Think of it! Not only did the Lord hear their first prayers, He heard their last! Mind if I ask? Are you, like me, in the waiting room? Does it seem as if an inordinate amount of time has gone by, yet we’re still waiting? Is what we’re praying for worth the wait? Then, let’s continue to pray without ceasing. Here’s a paraphrased version of Eph. 3:20-21 that I cling to: Forever, oh Lord, to You, because You have, You are, and You will do immeasurably more than all we could ever ask or imagine, according to Your power at work in us, be glory and honor forever and ever, Amen. By Amre Cortadino
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