But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard…." — Luke 1:13
Sometimes our lives are defined by a single prayer. It may be a prayer for a child, as was the case with Zechariah and Elizabeth. It may be a prayer for healing or deliverance. It may be a prayer for blessing, as was the case with Jabez.
I want you to think about your prayer. Look at what the Lord did. Zechariah and Elizabeth could no longer have what they longed for. They were too old. Their dream had died. It may be that you can no longer lift your face heavenward. Maybe your dream has died.
Think about your prayer. There were so many years of silence. Pleading with God. Faithfully obeying His commandments, yet moving through life with a silent cry of anguish. No response. Nothing. Where was God?
Think about your prayer. Who can understand the ways of God? Zechariah is chosen to enter the Most Holy Place and burn incense before the Lord. A great privilege, but a weighty responsibility. The assembled worshipers were praying outside. Zechariah went in with ropes tied to his ankles, so that if he or they did anything to displease God, Zechariah’s dead body could be pulled from the temple without anyone violating God’s sacred space.
In this moment of great fear, God’s silence is broken. "Yes, I have heard your prayer."
"Yes." God is preparing an answer to your prayer.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
Dwight Clough is the author of four Christian books and is an active member of Lake City Church in Madison. This devotional is also available via email and you may review the archives back to 2002. To contact Dwight or Kim, use their contact form. You may also support their ministry.