Sometimes we wonder about God’s timing, don’t we? There have been many times in my life when I wished God would have been on my time table. However, years later, I see how His timing was much better.
Zacharias’ wife, Elizabeth, may have wondered why God chose to bring her the gift of motherhood when she was well advanced in years. But she’s not complaining! Her response is pure joy, and perhaps a healthy dose of caution.
But the angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Zacharias, because your request has been heard. Your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.”
After these days Elizabeth his wife conceived, and she hid herself five months, saying, “Thus has the Lord done to me in the days in which he looked at me, to take away my reproach among men.” (Luke 1:13, 24-25 WEB)
The society in which Elizabeth lived placed great importance on having children. If a woman was barren, it was supposed that she was unrighteous and God was displeased with her. This must have made Elizabeth’s years of barrenness so very difficult.
Do you hear the terrible heartache Elizabeth has borne for such a long time because of her barrenness? She says she was disgraced among the people. Yet in all her trials, she has remained faithful to God. What joy it will bring to her heart to hear the word “Mother” referring to her!
One wonders, though, if Elizabeth ever had a moment of pause? It’s one thing to become a mother at a proper young age, when you have all the energy of youth. But the prospect of pregnancy at an older age can be a daunting thought. However, we hear nothing but joy from Elizabeth. She found strength in God to carry her through the difficult years of barrenness. And she will lean on His strength to help her with motherhood in old age.
Her age will be of great benefit to two people. Elizabeth and her husband, Zacharias, will have greater wisdom at this age to properly equip their son for the mighty task God has for him. He is to prepare the hearts of the people to listen to the Messiah’s message of salvation. We are told that Elizabeth and Zacharias have diligently followed God throughout their lives, so they will certainly be godly examples and teachers for their son.
Yet there will be at least one other person who will benefit from Elizabeth’s age and godly wisdom. In about six months, Elizabeth’s younger cousin, Mary, is going to receive a visit from the angel Gabriel, too. And she’s going to need all the help she can get!
While Elizabeth faces her unexpected pregnancy within the stability and gladness of an established marriage and home, Mary’s early months of pregnancy will be very different. There was never a pregnancy like hers. She was found pregnant by the Holy Spirit? How could that be? She was unmarried. Many people would be suspicious of her, including her fiancé, And she had no way to prove her innocence. Mary’s situation would be so different than Elizabeth’s. There would be no one rejoicing with her at that moment!
Thank God He provided at least one person who would understand. Mary will find in Elizabeth the wisdom and compassion she needs. Who else would understand how to handle the unjustified judgments and thoughts of one’s neighbors and relatives than Elizabeth, who had born the stigma of barrenness for many years. Who else would believe in a miracle baby? Elizabeth certainly would. And who else would believe she had an encounter with the angel Gabriel? Zacharias would!
Mary will find shelter and wisdom with Elizabeth and Zacharias that will ground her and prepare her for the days ahead, when she will have to face her fiancé and family and tell them of her pregnancy. The timing of Elizabeth’s pregnancy may have seemed strange to her. But within God’s time table, everything was happening at just the right time.
Sometimes it may be hard to believe, but God’s timing in our own lives is just right, too. Whether we are in a season of waiting or whether we are facing the challenges of change and new opportunities, God wants us to trust Him with His timing. Remembering how God has helped us through past challenges can help us trust him in our current challenges. And perhaps He just might be preparing you to help someone else. Be willing to share with others the wisdom God has taught you through the years.
Psalm 71:17-18 (WEB)
God, you have taught me from my youth.
Until now, I have declared your wondrous works.
Yes, even when I am old and gray-haired, God, don’t forsake me,
until I have declared your strength to the next generation,
your might to everyone who is to come.
“Elizabeth,” by Keith and Krystin Getty and Ellie Holcomb
Scripture verses are taken from the Worl English Bible (WEB), Public Domain.