True Rejoicing

Luke 1:57-58

Now the time had come for Elizabeth to give birth, and she had a son. Then her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her His great mercy, and they rejoiced with her.

The same group that held Elizabeth in shame rejoiced with her when God blessed her with a son. I can completely relate to her! I didn’t marry until I was 34, and everyone – especially family, friends, and neighbors – wondered what was wrong with me. When I finally became engaged, it seemed the whole world rejoiced with me. My own grandmother even said, “Well, she’s old enough!” My singleness was no longer in question, and I could finally be accepted into the world of families and married couples.

Before my son was born, I had three miscarriages. Some believed I was just too old to have a child, and I had waited too long to marry. I’m glad I never listened to them. When my son was born, he was a highly celebrated baby because of the time I had waited. Finally, I had a family. Attitudes changed toward me, and I felt an acceptance I had not previously experienced. Something about God’s divine intervention in a life when everyone else has given up or lost hope brings a celebration and excitement from deep within people that wipes away any social stigma and draws people closer. Elizabeth’s life was changed forever because of God’s plan – the plan He had for her all along.

One moment of God’s favor can change everything! Favor comes from hours spent in His presence. Never underestimate the power of your prayers or even your pain when you give it to God. Worshiping Him when you are hurting is a sacrifice of praise, and He hears it and accepts it. When you can do nothing for yourself, He is able to intervene in a way that draws others to Him. Trust His divine plan for you because it is good – very good!

Have a blessed day!