I love instant answers to prayer. But have you noticed the big prayers, the ones you care about most, take the longest to answer? Unanswered prayer can shake our faith. We feel like stepchildren. If God loves me why doesn’t He hear my prayers?
Perhaps God answers the moment we ask. We just can’t see the answer. Or maybe my prayer is tied to a bigger story.
In Luke 1:13, Zacharias was stunned when an angel announced his prayer had been heard. “Elizabeth’s going to have a son!” Zacharias scratched his head. He’d prayed for a son—decades ago!
He and Elizabeth had prayed for a baby. God needed a forerunner to His Son. To fulfill their prayer and His plan, Elizabeth had to wait—and wait—until young Mary was old enough to become the mother of Jesus. Of course, Elizabeth didn’t know why her prayer wasn’t answered. Before the angel’s announcement do you think Elizabeth felt special? My guess is she felt neglected.Continue Reading