Favored and Faithful

 Hello everyone! As we continue in the month of March, I am highlighting women in the Bible. Last week, I highlighted Esther and how she was a voice of hope for her people 💗. Go check out the post if you haven't yet. Today, I want to take us to the New Testament and highlight a woman by the name of Elizabeth 😊. She was the wife of Zechariah, who was a priest. Both were obedient and lived to please God. However, Elizabeth was not able to have a child. Both were older in age (Luke 1:5-7). One day while Zechariah was serving in the church, an angel appeared to him and reminded him that his prayers had been heard. His wife Elizabeth would have a son, and he was to be called John. The angel went on to say what John's purpose and impact would be (Luke 1:11-17). Zechariah was not sure about the news because of their age, but the angel reassured him that he was sent by God to share the good news (Luke 1:19-20). We see in verse 24 that Elizabeth indeed becomes pregnant! That truly is a miracle! I love Elizabeth's response in verse 25- "The Lord has done this for me." Only God could have done it! We have to recognize when it's God that has done something for us and thank Him 😊. When we read further in verse 25, she says, "In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people." Favor is God's grace (kindness) and special blessing on one's life. Thank God for his grace! He shows it to us daily as well (Lamentations 3:22-23). Later on, we see Mary (Jesus' mother) visit her relative Elizabeth and baby John in Elizabeth's stomach jumped for joy when Mary greeted Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-44). In verses 57-58, we see Elizabeth giving birth to John and their neighbors and relatives shared her joy. Verse 80 shares that John grew and was strong in spirit. Elizabeth's story is a great reminder in many ways. First, it reminds us that God hears our prayers 😊. Both Zechariah and Elizabeth had to be praying as the angel reminded Zechariah that his prayers had been heard. No matter how big or small your requests are, keep telling them to God (Philippians 4:6). Second, it reminds us to stay faithful to God. They both kept God's commands and served him. We too need to keep serving God, even when we don't see the answer to our prayers and it seems like nothing's happening. Next, we're reminded that it's not too late for God to fulfill His promises for our lives. They were old in age, but God still blessed them with a child. That's a reminder to you and me that' it's not too late to reach goals and dreams. It's not too late for the business, new hobby, interest, or relationship, career, new adventure and experience, or new habit. Age is nothing but a number. God wants to use all of us regardless of our age 💗. Lastly, we have to know we are favored by God and He has special blessings for us. He's protecting us and will bring things to pass in His timing. There was a reason Elizabeth gave birth to John at the time she did. John was able to be a witness for his cousin Jesus. Your special blessings are on the way 😊. Keep serving. Keep praying. Keep being faithful. Keep being thankful. May we declare daily about our blessings as Elizabeth said, "The Lord has done this for me." May God bless you all!!