God of the Impossible - December 9

In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest of Abijah’s division named Zechariah. His wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both were righteous in God’s sight, living without blame according to all the commands and requirements of the Lord. But they had no children because Elizabeth could not conceive, and both of them were well along in years.

When his division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, it happened that he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. At the hour of incense the whole assembly of the people was praying outside. An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified and overcome with fear. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. Luke 1: 5-13 (CSB)

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Elizabeth was barren, childless. For a faithful Jewish woman in the first century, there were few situations more shameful: barrenness was frequently considered a result of God's displeasure. Being childless created a huge void in her life as well; an important part of a woman's role in life was to raise children. The situation was no better for Zechariah. A faithful Jewish man wanted sons to partner with him in his occupation. He wanted a son to carry on his family name and legacy. Without a son, his family line died.

Yet both Elizabeth and Zechariah were called righteous and blameless before God. Despite the fact that God had not blessed them with children, a sorrowful reality for both of them, they continued to be faithful to God and each other. They did not allow their crushed dreams to destroy their relationship with the only One who could do more for them than even the children for whom they longed. Because they were faithful, they became part of a line of faithful Israelites who eventually were blessed with a child despite their barrenness: Abraham and Sarah, Jacob and Rachel, Elkanah and Hannah, Manoah and his wife. Their God was the God of the impossible.

The Christmas season can be a fun time that creates many happy memories; it can also be a stressful, disappointing or sad time. Trying to complete an endless to-do list, dealing with difficult family members or separation from loved ones can kill your joy and leave you tired, angry or depressed. At this time you need to keep your focus on the God of the impossible. He may not shorten your to-do list, but he can help you set your priorities straight. He may not transform the behavior of that difficult family member but by relying on the God who is your greatest treasure you can have peace and the patience to deal with them. Loved ones may still be far away, but the One who loves you the most is always with you. How can the God of the impossible reign in your life this Christmas holiday?

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Holy God, you are omnipotent and omniscient, the God of the impossible; you are worthy of all praise. Thank you for taking my difficult situations and giving them purpose because you are working through them to develop my character and faith. Please help me to remember that you are in control and are working all things for my spiritual good, especially in those difficult situations. To God be the glory! Amen

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Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

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