God’s Favor

God’s Favor

Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth. – Luke 1:13-14, NIV 

Elizabeth and her husband, Zechariah followed all of God’s commands. He was a priest in the temple (church) and they were active in their community. They didn’t just love God, they served Him with great reverence. 

But still, Elizabeth lacked one gift—a baby of her own. She lived in a time when a woman’s worth was determined by how many healthy babies she could deliver. Since she had none, others judged her.  

Some suggested the infertility was caused by a hidden sin in Elizabeth or Zechariah’s past. Others seemed to think God had pronounced judgement against Elizabeth for unbelief or another perceived flaw.  

After she realizes she’s pregnant, Elizabeth says, “The Lord has done this for me. He’s shown me His favor!” (Luke 1:25, paraphrased) 

When you’re going through a difficult time, you may be tempted to believe that God doesn’t care about you. Perhaps you worry that God is angry at you or fear that He has given up on you. 

But have faith, dear one. Elizabeth’s late in life pregnancy wasn’t because God didn’t love her or was angry with her. He hadn’t given up on her.  

It was a matter of Divine timing and this might be true in your situation, too. Perhaps God still intends to save your marriage or heal your daughter from her addiction. But He plans to do it in His timing, rather than yours. 

Prayer:

God, thank You for Your favor! You have blessed me richly! When I’m tempted to focus on what You haven’t given me, let me be patient and remember that Your timing is always perfect. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 


Need help with your prayer life, grab the Good Habit of Prayer book. 

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