notesbynora

Luke 1:5–25, 57–66

Few stories in Scripture feel as human, as tender, and as reassuring as the story of Elizabeth and Zechariah. Two faithful servants of God. Two hearts that had prayed the same prayer for years. Two people who watched the seasons of life pass without the blessing they longed for.

Scripture says they were “righteous before God… blameless” (Luke 1:6), yet still, the cradle remained empty, the prayers seemed unanswered, and the silence from heaven felt long.

But heaven was not indifferent. Heaven was working behind the scenes. Zechariah was carrying out his priestly duty when the angel Gabriel appeared with a message that would shake the dust off every decade of disappointment: “Your prayer has been heard.” (Luke 1:13)

Gabriel expressed to Zechariah that God had held their prayer for a long time. He had not ignored their prayer or forgotten their pleas or dismissed their request. No, Heaven had heard their prayers. 

Sometimes the hardest part of faith is believing God remembers us when time goes on, and nothing changes. But Elizabeth and Zechariah remind us that delay is not denial—and silence does not equal absence.

When Elizabeth discovered she was expecting, Scripture tells us: “The Lord has done this for me.” (Luke 1:25)

Elizabeth’s gratitude for God was evident, and she understood that His timing was perfect. There was no bitterness that it had taken so long. There were no complaints that now she was old and the pregnancy was difficult. Elizabeth embraced God’s plan, although it was a different plan from hers. 

After months of silence, Zechariah’s first words were praise. His tongue was loosed when he agreed with God, writing that the child’s name would be John. Sometimes God gives us silence so we can learn to listen again—to His voice, not our fears.

Today, as you rise and begin your day, carry this truth:

God has not forgotten you. Your prayers are not lost. The silence you feel is not empty—sometimes it is preparation.

Elizabeth and Zechariah show us that God often does His deepest work in the waiting. And when the answer finally comes, it comes overflowing with purpose.

Prayer

Lord, help me trust You in the quiet seasons. Remind me that You see me, You hear me, and You are working in every chapter of my life—even the ones that feel still. Like Elizabeth and Zechariah, let my response be faith, gratitude, and praise. Amen.