Elizabeth: “The Lord Has Done This for Me”

By Karla Overstreet

Seattle, Washington USA

Scripture:  Luke 1:5-7, 24-25

Have you ever struggled with belief in God? I have! I don’t struggle with belief that He exists. I have believed that since I was old enough to be taught by my parents. However, I have often wrestled with belief that God will keep His promises; specifically, His promises to me. Somehow I don’t have a problem believing He will keep His promises for others, but for me it seems a little elusive. My inner voice often says, “I believe God CAN do it, I just don’t believe He will do it for me.” Have you ever felt that way?

I can really relate to Elizabeth and her struggle to conceive a child. She was the wife of a priest and probably, if she is anything like me, thought, “I have been serving God alongside my husband for years; why won’t God bless me with a child?” Both she and her husband had given up to the point that her husband had a hard time believing God even when He sent an angel right in front of him. But God keeps His promises.

In 2 Peter 3:9, it says God is not slow in keeping His promises; although it can often feel really slow. Yet God is faithful.

I too, like Elizabeth, wanted a child and it felt like it would never happen. God, in His mercy, somehow decided that He would bless my husband and me with three children: two biological and one through adoption.

Even with finally receiving God’s blessing, it is tempting to feel angry or entitled and to have a hard time understanding why it had to be so difficult. I am challenged by Elizabeth’s response when she heard the news of her pregnancy. She wasn’t angry or bitter, but stated out loud, “How kind the Lord is!”  She accepted the struggle and timing of God and rejoiced in the blessing even though it may have come with much difficulty.  I pray that I can have that same heart!

Questions for Reflection:

1.       Can you think of a time when you had a hard time believing God would fulfill His promises?  How did it make you feel?
2.       Do you have difficulty feeling close to God when circumstances are less than ideal in your life? What helps you to trust Him in those dark moments?
3.       Elizabeth thanked and praised God in advance. Is there something that you can thank God for in advance? Consider spending some time today thanking and praising God for what He will do.