Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations. (Luke 1:6 NLT)

Zechariah and Elizabeth had a problem. She hadn’t been able to conceive a child. In their culture, if a woman couldn’t conceive a child, then she would be described as barren and unfruitful. And sometimes people even said that it was a curse from God.

There may have been people who said, “I don’t know about Zechariah and Elizabeth. After all, she is barren, isn’t she? If she really was walking with the Lord, perhaps she would have had a child at this point.”

Of course, we know this was an incorrect view. But it was a perception of the day. The truth was that Zechariah and Elizabeth were godly people. Luke 1:6 tells us, “Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations” (NLT). This doesn’t mean they never sinned; it meant they had a good reputation.

And unbeknownst to them, God was about to give them a child—and not just any child. He was going to give them a prophet—and not just any prophet. They would be the parents of the greatest prophet to ever live: John the Baptist.

Sometimes a person may be suffering outwardly, but inwardly they are blessed. And as time passes, it becomes apparent that God was preparing that individual. For instance, maybe you are suffering today. It just may be that God is preparing you for something wonderful He will do in your life.

God heard the prayers of Zechariah and Elizabeth. The angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah as he served in the temple and said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John” (Luke 1:13 NLT).

God was about to deliver on the promise of a Messiah and His forerunner.

From the original language, it appears that God heard the prayer Zechariah was praying at that moment. Maybe the aged priest walked in and said, “Lord, I know I’m here to do a job. I know I’m here to pray for the people. And I’m going to do that. But if you wouldn’t mind a personal petition, Lord, please give us a son. I know we’re old. But would You answer this prayer and give us a son?”

We don’t know what Zechariah prayed. But we do know that his prayer was heard in Heaven. In the same way, our prayers on Earth are heard in Heaven. God promises that if we call out to Him, He will hear and answer. Psalm 34:15 tells us, “The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help” (NLT). He is listening.

Speaking to the prophet Jeremiah, God said, “Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come” (Jeremiah 33:3 NLT). God hears you. God loves you. And God pays attention to you. But know this: He will answer you in His way and in His time.

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