When God is Silent

Luke 1:6-7

And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.

Luke 1:13

But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

Luke chapter one explains the events that took place right before Jesus was to come to earth. At this time it had been 400 years since God had spoken to his people. Imagine 400 years of total silence from God. Somehow Zacharias and Elisabeth stayed "blameless" and "righteous" and walked in the Word God had given all those years before he had gone quiet. Zacharias had the amazing, once in a lifetime opportunity to burn incense on the altar in the temple. This happened 2x a year..the priests cast lots to see who would  be chosen. In verse 13 it says the angel came and told Zacharias his prayer had been heard. 

Even though God was silent this couple kept praying and kept trusting God. Sometimes we think God owes us because we "serve" him and we stay "faithful". He doesn't. The real question is will we stay faithful even when God is silent? Even when it seems like God is doing nothing? Will we keep praying even if it seems our prayers are going unheard and unanswered? 

God heard everytime they prayed for a son. He saw every tear they cried as they continually begged God to give them their hearts desire. Year after year they persevered yet God didn't answer. In Bible times it was a shame not to have any children. I'm sure they were looked down upon at times throughout their lives. I know they prayed for many years because it says they were now "well stricken in years." 

I have something I've prayed for for so long and I've wondered if he will ever answer. I've had many times of doubt. Just the other day I had given up BUT the Word of the Lord came and he gave me the strength to keep going. 

These verses encouraged my heart..even in silence God never changes. Even in silence He is true to His word. Even in silence He is doing only what is best! He says he will hear and answer when his child calls..that's me! So I must keep walking in his word until the silence is broken. I hate waiting and I know Elisabeth and Zacharias didn't like it either..but God answered and performed a miracle for them. He gave them the son they waited so long for. This son was Jesus' cousin, the one God sent to guide the people "into the way of peace (vs79)." Peace was coming. The Prince of Peace was soon to be on His way! They had asked for a son but God gave them a special son who walked with God and was used mightily. Sometimes he makes us wait to give us something better than we asked for.