If we are honest, there are times when we feel as if our prayers make it to the ceiling and go no farther. We wonder if God hears us. Is He too busy? Does He not care about this situation or circumstance?
Have you been praying for something for a long time? Does it seem like God has not heard your prayers or does not wish to answer them?
How do you think Zechariah and Elizabeth felt after years of praying and waiting for a child of their own? You know they had to wonder why God had not answered their prayers for a child.
Zechariah and Elizabeth were faithful to God. They served and obeyed Him. And yet, their prayer for a child continued to go unanswered. Even the most faithful and godly people experience unanswered prayers. They may experience confusion and long trials. Zechariah and Elizabeth should remind us that we should keep praying as long as the desire is there. What seemed like too long or too late ended up far exceeding their hopes. And the answer came at just the right time, God's timing!
Sometimes, what seems a hopeless situation or denial from God is only a delay.
However, at times, God does not change our circumstances. Instead of changing our situation and answering our prayers the way we wish, He changes us. He may gradually lessen the desire and change our hearts and our prayers to line up with His ultimate plan and purposes.
God could have prepared the way for the coming Savior any number of ways. Zechariah and Elizabeth could have given birth to John earlier in life. An angel might not have pronounced John's birth. Zechariah might not have experienced long years of unanswered prayers and the pregnancy of Elizabeth without a voice. But isn't the way God did it so much more miraculous, and so clearly His work!
The way God works often is miraculous and cannot be explained. It is during those times that no one else is able to take credit or justify how something happened other than to know that God was in it.
When have you experienced the miraculous works and wonders of God?