Elizabeth's Faith

Luke tells us that the angel Gabriel came to the temple one day to meet Zechariah while he was there serving the Lord. The angel tells Gabriel of the coming wonderful news! His wife Elizabeth would bear a son, to be called John, and he would be great before the Lord to prepare the people. Zechariah doubted and responded to Gabriel in doubt. “How can this be?” he asks, knowing his wife is well beyond child-bearing days. Gabriel responds with the promise from God that these things will be so. Because of Zechariah’s doubt, he was unable to speak. After Zechariah’s service in the temple was done, he returned home. Not long after, Elizabeth found herself to be with child. Her response to this gift was much different than Zechariah’s – she gave praise to God for what He had done! It is unclear whether Elizabeth would have had knowledge of Zechariah’s visit from the angel. Whether she knew or not, her faith was evident in that she trusted and praised the Lord for the gift of the baby within her. How has God used the things in your life that seemed like a disadvantage or hardship in some positive way? How are you doing at praising and thanking the Lord for all He brings your way? Do you doubt? Or do you have faith?