Luke 1:57-80
Ordinary couple--with an extraordinary example. I read Luke 1:57-80 several times as I prepared to write for today, and it wasn't until about my third read through that it really hit me how incredible both Elizabeth and Zechariah were here. Their situation was undoubtedly exciting for them, but it was also highly unusual and out of the ordinary.
Now when things in my life aren't proceeding in a "normal" manner, even if it's good, that can cause difficulties for me like stress, fear and tension, and I pass those emotions on to my husband (and vice versa depending on the situation). Yet, we don't see that with Elizabeth and Zechariah. So I read back over Luke 1:57-80 yet again and looked for what they demonstrated. Here are a few words and phrases that I jotted down--trusted in the Lord, praised, bold witness, faithful, confident, steadfast.
So how can we work on consistently responding in these ways when things in our lives are running their normal course and when they aren't going as planned? Tami W.
Tami, for me personally, I just cannot give up, no matter what we still have to trust in Him, be faithful, confident and steadfast (some of the words you wrote down). We have to live in Hope and read The Word. When we are down, take up the Bible and read, pray and keep praying and do not cease. When we are down and go to His Word do you realise how much better we feel? Read the Gospels especially what Jesus says. You will feel a closeness to Him. He is just awesome!
If we give up, we waiver and then Satan tries to knock us down, so we have to BELIEVE Jesus and trust Him and what He says.
Joan R
Thanks, Joan for your post today. I really needed to read your words as I am going through some struggles today myself.
Thank you!
I agree that John's parents were wonderful people, based on the author's details. Zechariah had several opportunities to go astray, yet he remained steadfast. His pride could have encouraged him to name his son, after himself (or another family member). I'm sure that was a special thing in those days. Yet, this seemingly simple request was huge. I pray that my wife and I can be the parents that God requires us to be.