Luke 1:13 (KJV)
But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth, were righteous in the sight of God and blameless in their spiritual walk. However, despite their faithfulness to God, Zechariah and Elizabeth were barren; they were old and did not have children. In their advanced years, God enabled the miraculous conception of a child from their aged bodies. During this time, Zechariah steadfastly committed himself to his responsibilities as a priest and confidently held onto his prayers for a child of his own. Zechariah could have easily stopped praying, became bitter, and stopped working for the God who was not providing a child for them. However, this is not how Zechariah’s story ends. When it was Zechariah’s turn to burn incense in the temple, he had no idea that he was about to receive a visit from the angel Gabriel. The angel reassured him, saying, “Do not be afraid, for your prayers have been heard in Heaven; your wife will bear a son.” As recorded in Luke 1:37, “Nothing is impossible with God.” We know that God did answer his prayers and blessed him with a son, John the Baptist. He asked for a son, but God gave him even more. His son John would grow up to be the very prophet who would announce the arrival of the Messiah.
Waiting for God to answer our prayers is hard, especially when we feel the pressures of life. Often, we find ourselves praying earnestly for something over many years—whether for the salvation of a spouse or child, guidance in a calling or ministry, or for that special person to enter our lives. In moments of discouragement, we may feel tempted to give up. However, we can take heart, knowing that God hears our prayers and responds in His own perfect timing, bringing forth blessings beyond our imagination. God’s timing is rarely our own, but it is always worth waiting for it. His timing is different from our timing, for there is a proper time and procedure for every matter. God has His own timetable, and He will fulfill His promises at the time appointed by Him. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.” God makes all things beautiful in His own time. He can remember our prayers not only for years but also for generations beyond our lifetime. He never forgets our requests and often responds long after we first present them to Him. Sometimes, His answer is an immediate yes. Other times, it may be a no or a wait, but rest assured that His response is always deliberate, filled with care and love. Although God’s ways may be beyond our understanding, we can confidently trust that they are ultimately good. Even when we struggle to see God’s hand at work, we can unwaveringly trust His heart.
Beloved, have the assurance that whatever God promises you, He will surely fulfill the same. I have to come to tell you this day not to be afraid, for all your prayers from January till now, Heaven has heard them. Your voice has been recorded in Heaven. Every heart desire of yours shall come to pass. Trust God for your miracles regardless of the time you wait for them. His timing is the best time, and His faithfulness is sure. Do not listen to alternative advice from people. As God did it for Zechariah and Elizabeth, He will also do it for you in this month. You are about to give birth to your children, dreams, and visions in Jesus’ Name. Know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. God will do for you what no man has ever thought of doing for your life. He can do immeasurably more than all you ask or imagine. Even though you have, God has not given up on the answer to your prayer. Keep praying for He will make all things beautiful in His own time. As you pray, tell God you are open to hearing His message. Remember to recall the story of God’s faithfulness to Zechariah at moments in your life when you are tempted to give up on God.
O Lord, help me to trust Your timing. Give me the grace to wait for answers to my prayers in Jesus’ Name.