The angel Gabriel told Zechariah, “Your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John” (Luke 1:13). I praise you today as the God who hears and answers my prayers. Sometimes you tell me Yes, sometimes No, and sometimes, like Zechariah, I must wait patiently for your timing. But no matter what the answer is, I know that you hear me, and I can rest in the assurance that you are working all things for my good and your glory. Praise the Lord!

As I thought about what you told me today, I was encouraged by the godly example of Zechariah and Elizabeth. They were both “righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord” (Luke 1:6). They had the combination of inward integrity and outward obedience that you commanded (Deut 10:12–13). This teaches me that it’s possible to live a victorious Christian life. They lived each day by grace through faith (Hab 2:4), and I know you can help me do the same.

Zechariah and Elizabeth also teach me how to deal with disappointment. I’m sure they both desperately wanted to have children, yet Elizabeth was barren. They prayed and asked for your help, but nothing happened. In those days, being barren was often seen as a disgrace, and I noticed that after she became pregnant, Elizabeth thanked you for taking away her “reproach” (Luke 1:25), so her barrenness was clearly a source of grief and shame. Yet in spite of their disappointment and sorrow at your silence, they didn’t become bitter or turn away from you. They remained faithful and kept on doing the right thing even though they didn’t understand. That’s what I need to do—I need to wait on you and trust in your goodness even when I’m in pain. You eventually gave Elizabeth a child in her old age, but even if you don’t give me what I ask, I know that when I look back over my life in eternity, I’ll see with wonder that all your works were good and all your ways were just!

Zechariah was struck with muteness because he refused to believe until he received a sign. If I don’t believe what you’ve told me in your Word, then I’m joining in Zechariah’s unbelief. Am I believing you in spite of my circumstances? Am I choosing to trust even when things look hopeless?

Father, I know I’ve asked for many things over the years, but more than anything else, I ask you to give me the strength to believe when everything is dark. Help me remain steadfast through the storms and trials of life. May my certainty in your goodness never falter!

Thank you for the loving care you give your sheep. You tenderly guided and protected Zechariah and Elizabeth all their lives, and I know you will do the same for me.