The Lord took me to Elizabeth and Zechariah's story in Luke 1 this morning. This story brings memories of being with couples who tried unsuccessfully for sometimes many years to have a child yet it has not happened. Then there are the memories of the ones who finally conceived. The words of verse six touch me greatly. They read, "Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commands and decrees blamelessly" (NIV). This couple were God's servants yet they could not conceive. Why would one of God's servants not be able to follow the command God gives for us to "be fruitful and multiply" (NLT) in Genesis 1:28? How could God not love those infertile enough to enable them to conceive? What is 'wrong' with people who can't conceive? What have they done that is so bad God won't bless them with a child? Why does God not show favor on all as He did to Elizabeth and Zechariah (Luke 1:25)? No one but God knows the 'whys' and the 'why nots' of what we go through on this earth. He knows all. We need to never give up praying for the desires of our heart. The only way to have peace in such situations is to stay close to our Heavenly Father. It may take years for our prayers to be answered. Our prayers may not be answered in the way we desire but they will be answered. God answering our prayers is not about how 'good' or 'bad' we are but it will make a difference on how we see answered prayer by how close in relationship we are to Him. Matthew Henry writes of such prayers, "Prayers of faith are filed in heaven, and are not forgotten." I like how Henry describes Jesus as our Intercessor. Henry writes that we need to "...go before Him with courage, zeal, holiness, and a mind dead to earthly interests and pleasures." We need to pray in faith knowing our Heavenly Father hears our prayers. We also need to pray with courage to accept His answer. I cannot say I know how infertile couples feel because I have never been down that road. But I have been with enough of them on this journey to feel the hurt they feel to a certain extent. At one point in time in our ministry, we had eight couples in this situation. It was emotionally draining but I am thankful for the experience. Not all of those couples became fertile. One was only fertile for one child. Others had two. The thing I am most proud of is not one quit believing in God. No matter what our circumstance, we cannot quit believing in Him. He knows our future. He knows what is best for us even when it is not what we desire. I don't imagine Elizabeth was too excited to have a baby at her old age even though it was what she had continually prayed for. I also don't imagine Zechariah was too happy during the time he couldn't speak. But they were both committed to doing what God desired of them. The result was the birth of John the Baptist. What would happen if we were to be so committed? Would the infertile couples be fertile if they were more committed? I don't know that the ones already committed would see a difference as far as their infertility goes but as they draw closer to God His peace will become greater in their circumstances. This morning I think of Paul's words in Romans 15:13. God gives us hope, joy, and peace as we trust in Him. This morning I am praying for all those who are dealing with infertility to receive His "hope, peace, joy, and love."
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the blessings of yesterday with our calendar getting wiped clean so we could have time together. Thank You for my husband. Thank You for the way You love on us so greatly. Thank You for giving us "hope, peace, joy, and love" throughout our days. Father, cleanse us so You can fill us to overflowing with these things. May You be our words, actions, and attitude throughout this day. Go before us and pave the way to open doors of opportunity to be You to all we meet. Father, this morning I am praying for those who are going through infertility to find "hope, peace, joy, and love" through You. I pray they will know You are their strength to get them through tough days. May they feel Your presence in a different, new way today. Thank You Jesus for being My Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Amen.
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