What if I told you unanswered prayer may be a sign of God’s favor? You might argue that since biblical days many have taught otherwise. If you’re sick or God has closed your womb, then you’ve fallen from grace.
What if I told you the Bible shows the reverse was true for some of God’s chosen ones?
In the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, one line spoken by Elizabeth, after she became pregnant, speaks volumes about the pain she suffered during her years of unanswered prayer.
‘The Lord has done this for me,’ she said. ‘In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people’” (Luke 1:25 NIV).
The Jews believed Elizabeth’s barrenness represented God’s punishment for some hidden sin. For decades, Elizabeth, a descendant of the High Priest Aaron and a priest’s wife, felt disgraced among her people. I can imagine her begging God to show her what she had done to lose God’s favor.
We know God’s delay in answering Zechariah and Elizabeth’s prayer wasn’t because of His displeasure. But they didn’t know that—until much later.
The Bible describes Zechariah and Elizabeth as “righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old” (Luke 1:6-7 NIV).
In their culture, righteous and barren didn’t fit together. What her peers saw as disgrace, was God’s special favor in disguise. He had not overlooked Elizabeth. God had chosen her for a special honor. He wanted her to raise the forerunner of His Son!
Unanswered Prayer Turns to Awesome
When the angel told Zechariah that God had answered his prayer, I picture Zechariah scratching his head. What prayer? Since they were both very old, I’m sure they hadn’t prayed for a child in ages. Listen to the angel’s words:
But the angel said to him: ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. 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, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord’” (Luke 1:13-17 NIV).
If God had shown Elizabeth His plan when she was young, whose plan do you think she would have chosen? Would she have chosen to fulfill her friends and family’s expectations by having an ordinary child at the expected age? Or would she have chosen to be a part of the miracle of Christmas and wait to bear the son Jesus described as, “among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:11 NIV)?
Your Unanswered Prayer
Do you have a prayer that has gone unanswered—for decades? Have you felt judged by your peers or forgotten by God because of it? From the perspective of time, we can see God’s plan for Elizabeth was better than her own. Will you trust Him with your desires too? Elizabeth provides one good reason to trust God with your unanswered prayer.
From the perspective of time, we can see God’s plan for Elizabeth was better than her own. Will you trust Him with your desires too? #RefreshingFaith #Christmas Click To TweetIdeas for Christmas Gifts
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Wow! A perspective I have never before even considered Ms. Debbie. Thank you so much for this enlightening post. You gave me a new perspective on the purpose of unanswered prayers. I’ve wondered for many years if that’s why my first wife and I never had children when I was younger. Was it because God knew I had married for worldly reasons and I was not yet following His plan for my life. Granted, I am certainly grateful for my wife of the past twenty-two years; and while I pray every day and thank Him for the wonderful blessing He’s given me in her. #UnansweredPrayers I think perhaps they are an indication of “something better is coming.” God’s blessings ma’am.
J. D., unanswered prayers can cause us pain when we don’t know and trust the character of of our gracious Heavenly Father. I appreciate the stories recorded in the Bible to encourage us.
I thank Him every day He didn’t answer some of my prayers from younger years!!! I trust He sees the end from the beginning and only has good plans that are always better than mine.
Me too, Ann! Time grants us a new perspective and appreciation of God’s wisdom and protection.
Clearly, I needed to read this today, Debbie! I’ve read so much today on prayer, and God’s timing, and waiting on Him to move and work. And on Sunday, our pastor preached on this same subject. God is preaching to me in many ways this week. I’d better listen!
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Patsy, isn’t it something how God does that? Glory to His name!
I love this reminder, Debbie, “From the perspective of time, we can see God’s plan for Elizabeth was better than her own.” I’m like J.D. above, in that I’ve never read this story through this perspective, but it certainly has a great take-away for many of us who have unanswered prayers. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Julie.
Without going into detail, I’ve lived long enough to see the truth in this message. Still, I struggle for patience when I have to wait on God’s timing. If fact, that’s a concept I’m focusing on this week. Your post helps me do that! Thank you.
Candyce,
I have too, and yet I also have times I struggle to trust God’s timing and ways. May the Lord continue to encourage you in your wait this week.
Trusting God in every moment of my life. Today, I had to have an infusion for osteoporosis. This was the first time I had this infusion. I was afraid until I remembered to trust God. He placed His peace over me. All is well. No bad side affects from the treatment. I am home and resting. God is good.
Melissa, I like how you said, ” I was afraid until I remembered to trust God.” The Psalmist said something similar. When I am afraid, I will trust in God. I hope only good comes from your treatment!
Such a wonderful reminder!
Thanks, Stephanie.