Be in peace knowing God is working everything out

In the Bible, I read about a man named Zacharias and his wife, Elizabeth. They lived a life that pleased God and were blameless and righteous before Him. However, they were without children. “And they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both advanced in years.” (Luke 1:7).

As much as they hoped and prayed, Elizabeth remained unable to conceive. And in those times, married women were looked down upon for being childless.

The years passed, and although Elizabeth was well beyond the time of childbearing, Zacharias and Elizabeth kept praying that God would bless them with a child. It seemed hopeless. It appeared to be an impossible situation. Yet, they never gave up hope and remained faithful in their service to God placing their trust and confidence in Him.

Is there a situation in your life that seems impossible for you to prevail? Have you prayed and prayed and feel as though God has turned a deaf ear to your cries? And sometimes, do you wonder, “Does God even hear me?” Then, succumbing to feelings of hopelessness and despair, that negative voice inside your head may be saying, “Too much time has passed. All is lost. It’s too late for my dreams to come to pass now,” for “My best years are long gone.”

Zacharias and Elizabeth could have felt old, insignificant and discouraged. It would have been easy for them to continually focus on negative thoughts and adverse predictions. Afterwards, they might have just sat back in self-pity, given up, thinking that their best days had passed.

But God was not finished with them. And He is not finished with you either.

One day, as Zacharias was alone in the temple, all of a sudden the Angel Gabriel appeared to him. The angel announced, “For your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John.” (Luke 1:13).

Fear fell upon Zacharias. But the angel reassured him not to be afraid.

Then, in disbelief, Zacharias asked, “How can I be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” (Luke 1:18). Because Zacharias was doubtful, he was struck with the inability to speak until his child was born.

But when Elizabeth found out the good news, she was overjoyed. She believed that God was not limited by ordinary factors and would indeed bless them. And, at the appointed time, Elizabeth gave birth to a son, and they named him John. For the name John means, “The Lord is gracious.”

God was gracious to Zacharias and Elizabeth, and He is longing to be gracious to you. At this moment, God is at work in your behalf. For the answer to your heart’s desire is closer than you may think. And…a reward is coming.

Scripture says:

• “God rewards those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6).

• “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.” (Colossians 3:23-24).

• “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” (Psalm 84:11).

So, daily, look to God. Turn your thoughts toward Him. Keep on being and doing your best, as the solution to your dilemma is already on the way. Continue persisting, making a difference in the lives of others and allowing your faith to press you forward. Soon, God’s mighty Hand of deliverance is going to bring you to a place of joy, peace and blessings.

Years ago, I heard a story about a bakery owner. Every morning he gathered some of the town’s needy children and gave them each a warm loaf of bread.

Rather than being appreciative for the baker’s kindness, many of the children fought over who would get the largest loaf. They complained, were bitter about their present circumstances, and were just out for themselves.

However, there was one little girl in the crowd who had a different attitude. Day after day, patiently, she waited for the others to stop fighting, and she gratefully took the smallest loaf.

Then, she thanked the baker and happily brought the loaf home to share with her family.

One day, as her mother was slicing the bread, she found several pieces of silver inside the loaf. Quite surprised, the mother showed her daughter what she discovered in the bread.

So, the next day, as usual, the children went back to the bakery. The little girl, who happened to be the neediest, also returned.

Holding out the palm of her hand, the girl revealed the silver coins to the baker and said, “Sir, inside the loaf of bread that you so generously gave to us, we found your money. You must have accidently dropped the coins while you were baking the loaf.”

The baker responded, “I did not make a mistake, I put the coins in the smallest loaf of bread as a reward.”

And… a reward is coming for you. God works in mysterious ways. Suddenly, you’ll meet someone and that encounter can cause a long-held dream to transpire. Out of the blue, you will be at the right place at the right time and receive your miracle. Doors of opportunity will swing open. And, all of a sudden, your needs will be abundantly met.

God’s best for you is yet to be. And in God’s time and in God’s way, He will reward your faithfulness. You will emerge better, stronger and more blessed than ever before.

So trust, believe, and be in peace knowing that God is working everything out for you. And your faithful obedience will be rewarded.