Today’s scripture focuses on Elizabeth and her reaction to the happenings in their lives. Luke 1:23-25 “When his time of service was completed, he returned home. ²⁴ After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. ²⁵ “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”

Elizabeth saw what had happened to her husband Zechariah because of his unbelief when given the news about their coming child. Zechariah’s sudden muteness was proof of God’s power in a tangible way. Even though she had a reason to doubt that she could conceive and carry a child, as she was old, she responded with faith. Granted she had a bit more information than her husband as she learned about the angel’s message and saw first hand Zechariah’s inability to talk, she still chose to choose faith in the impossible rather than doubt. What about you? Do you seek to disbelieve when the evidence is right before you that God performed a miracle? Do you deny the resurrection because you were not there to see it yourself? Do you disbelieve that Jonah was swallowed by a big fish and was inside the fish for 3 days? Do you disbelieve that miracles of Elijah and Elisha and discount them as untrue? The Bible is filled with miracles given by God to bless his people and increase their faith. To enjoy and experience the miracles of God one must believe!

Let’s look at Elizabeth’s words in response to her pregnancy. She spent time in seclusion to care for the child that was growing inside her. She was protective of this miracle of life that God had given her. She counted it a blessing as God had removed her barrenness and favored her. Being barren was considered a disgrace in her time and caused by God. Elizabeth was glowing as she gave God all the credit and praise for the miracle of life He had given to her. She did not question God’s timing- like why did I have to wait so long? Why did this happen in my old age? No, she praised God and thanked Him for His favor. What about you? Are you one who is quick to thank God? 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Like Elizabeth, our first words need to be ones of thanks.

Think about what is happening around you right now. What do you have to be thankful for and what miracles has God provided in your life? As you reflect on your life with thanksgiving, you will see in a fresh or new way the beauty and praise in Elizabeth’s words and actions.

Linda