“For no word from God will ever fail.” - Luke 1:37 (NIV)
Read Luke 1:26-38
Have you ever found yourself waiting for a promise to be fulfilled, wondering if it will ever come to pass?
When I read the Bible, I frequently highlight–frequently in yellow–passages I’ve read. In reading today’s verse, I was surprised that most verses were marked except for todays and the one preceding it. These two verses give an example of God’s faithfulness to Elizabeth, who, though quite old, was astonishingly pregnant. But more importantly, they speak to the fulfillment of God’s promise and His timing.
We are familiar with the story of the Annunciation. In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. Gabriel appeared to Mary and greeted her, saying, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled by his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel reassured her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.”
Mary, puzzled by how this could happen since she was a virgin, asked the angel, “How will this be?” Gabriel explained that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, and the power of the Most High would overshadow her, so the holy one to be born would be called the Son of God. He also shared the miraculous news of Elizabeth’s pregnancy in her old age, emphasizing, “For no word from God will ever fail.”
This powerful statement reminds us that God’s capabilities are limitless. Whether parting the Red Sea, providing manna in the wilderness, or raising Jesus, God’s power transcends our understanding.
God’s timing is perfect. When He speaks, it happens. His promises are steadfast and reliable. Here are a few examples:
Despite their advanced age, God promised Abraham and Sarah a son. Isaac was born as a testament to God’s faithfulness.
Elizabeth, who was barren, prayed for a child. God answered her prayers, and she gave birth to John the Baptist.
When the angel told Mary she would bear the Son of God, she responded with faith: “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38, NIV).
These examples demonstrate God’s faithfulness and the importance of trusting His promises. They remind us that God’s timing is perfect, and His word is unfailing.
How can we apply these examples to our lives?
Reflect on your life: What promises are you waiting for God to fulfill? How can you trust God’s timing in your current situation?
Trust in His timing: Just as Elizabeth, Abraham, Sarah, and Mary trusted God’s promises, we too can have faith that His timing is perfect. When we face doubts and impatience, we can remember their stories and find strength in God’s unwavering faithfulness.
Practical steps: Consider keeping a journal of the promises you are waiting for and how you see God working in your life. This can help you stay focused on His faithfulness and timing.
Our human frailties often lead us to doubt and impatience. We struggle to trust in God’s timing and promises. Yet, the stories of Elizabeth, Abraham, Sarah, and Mary remind us that God’s timing is perfect, and His promises are sure.
As I reflect on these passages, today’s verse, which was once unhighlighted, now stands out in a different color–this time green, serving as a vivid reminder that:
God’s capabilities are limitless.
His timing is perfect.
His promises are steadfast and reliable.
May we all find renewed faith and patience, trusting that all things are possible with God.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your unfailing promises and limitless power. Help us to trust in Your word and timing, even when our faith wavers. Grant us the patience to wait on Your perfect timing and the acceptance to embrace Your will. Strengthen our faith so we may stand firm in Your promises. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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