Yes or No? He Won’t Say!

By Brandi Roark 

Luke 1 says that Zechariah and Elizabeth prayed for a child, I would imagine they longed for a baby. In those days a woman who was barren was thought to have done something wrong, made God mad, had sin in her life if she couldn’t conceive. The word says she felt disgraced.

Unlike Abraham and Sarah, Zechariah and Elizabeth were not given a word from God to believe that one day they would have a child. They prayed and asked but God never said yes or no. He was silent.

“Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.” Luke 1: 13 NIV

In that silence, they didn’t stop trusting God and they didn’t stop serving Him. They continued to live and they continued to believe, because no matter what God is a GOOD God. With no answer to their hearts cry they never gave up on Him or His goodness. Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. Luke 1:6

Some of us are like Abraham and Sarah, God has given us a word and told us He would restore our marriage. What a blessing that is to have that word. And some have never been given a clear word. God has not said “Yes” or “No”…… just silence.

It wasn’t until it was time for the child to be conceived that God sent Gabriel to tell Zechariah that he would have a son. Long past the time of normal childbearing years did God decide to answer their prayer. But when He did it was time.

But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old. Luke 1:7

Some of you may not know till it is time for the miracle to be conceived that God said “YES.” Just because you have no answer does not mean it is a “NO.” During this time continue to serve God just like they continued to do. Keep trusting Him. Believing Him. They knew Who God was and they knew He was good whether it was yes or no. He is a good good Father and the word says He will reward a faith like that. Luke tell us He took away Elizabeth’s disgrace.

“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.” Luke 1:25

I know most of us feel this way at times, as though people look at us like fools who know nothing, keep trusting Him, He will not let your faith be put to shame.

Stay faithful to Him, He is worthy.
Praying for us, Brandi Roark

NOTE:  I absolutely LOVE what Brandi has written and shared. As I read through this, God started to speak to me about WHY He withholds such vital information sometimes. For some, it’s a trust issue. We are not mature enough to handle the answer with patient endurance. Once we have been given the answer or the promise, we will act out. We may use that information to plan or change directions. All before the time is right.  Sometimes God withholds the answer because He needs you to learn trust in ALL places, even in uncertainty. And in the case of Zechariah, the promise is TOO precious and valuable to be risked. Which is why He made him mute. If the promise is too fragile and must be guarded against unbelief, God will not reveal it.

One thing we know for sure, IF God has placed on your heart to stand but you don’t know the outcome, He is trustworthy as to why. It was never meant for harm, but good. As His intentions toward you are ALWAYS good.—Sheila Hollinger