Couples I know who were older…were surprised with a child. These couples called themselves blessed and have, and are, being blessed with these children in their later years. Children are a blessing from the Lord and these couples have been blessed beyond their imaginations.

Elizabeth and Zacharias were surprised with such a blessing of a baby boy, a blessing from God.

A baby is a miracle of God’s great mercy at work

through the lives of the parents.

(NASB) Luke 1:57 “Now the time had come for Elizabeth to give birth, and she gave birth to a son.”

The angel Gabriel’s prophecy was fulfilled. (See Luke 1:13) Elizabeth and Zacharias had prayed for years for a child…God heard those prayers and answered in His time. God’s timing had a purpose – for this child would be the forerunner to Messiah.

God’s timing in your life and in your circumstances also has a purpose. As you wait on Him, have you asked what lesson(s) He wants you to learn and to grow in your trust in His perfect timing?

This couple had not let their disappointment keep them from a right relationship with God – both were righteous before God. (See Luke 1:6)

When you and I are disappointed in something we want (even though that desire is good but we do not have it) that disappointment should not keep us from having a right relationship with the God Who had the power to create the world and all that is in it.

(NASB) Luke 1:58 “Her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had displayed His great mercy toward her; and they were rejoicing with her.”

How did Elizabeth’s neighbors know of God’s great mercy in her life? Isn’t it highly probable that this was her attitude revealed through her actions and words? She recognized God’s great mercy…do you recognize God’s great mercy in your life? Do you rejoice in God your Savior? If not, why not? What do you need to do, before God, to have that attitude of thankfulness for His great mercy in your life?

The results of recognizing God’s great mercy is rejoicing!

How will you now pray to this God Who is great in mercy for you?