In keeping with the story of Elizabeth, there was something that hit me profoundly the other morning that I wanted to share with you. First, a little back-story… Elizabeth had been unable to bear children and was way past childbearing years when an angel of the Lord appeared to her husband, Zechariah, while he was ministering in the temple. The angel told him that he and his wife would bear a child who would pave the way for the coming Messiah, Jesus. This child we all know as John the Baptist, one of the most important figures in our Christian heritage.
When Elizabeth became pregnant she said this simple but profound phrase, “The Lord has done this for me.” (1:25.) These words strike me as one of those incomprehensible moments when God’s universal will intersects an individual life. The birth of John the Baptist was an event that changed the world; it was an event that God planned from before the beginning of time so that people would be turned to their Savior. And yet, Elizabeth very rightly said, “The Lord has done this for me”. Though the Lord had done it for the world, somehow He had also very specifically done it for Elizabeth.
It’s encouraging for me to think that God’s vast and broad will can intersect my personal longings and desires – praise Him for this! After reading this account of Elizabeth’s, I’ve been asking the Lord to do something for me. Something that only He and I understand – something coming directly and specially from His hand for the greater good of His ultimate plan, but also – somehow, mysteriously, lovingly – for me.
Kelly, I am on week five :Good Goodbyes. At the end of lesson, you ask if you heard a song that spoke to you during your study this week. Yes, I did. The song is “Whatever it takes” by Nate Sallie. I have my own personal struggles with food but I also have a son in jail for basically his issues with drugs and alcohol. He is a Christian and is trying to turn his life around. His name is Joshua and your verses this week about Joshua made me think of him. Thanks for your study. It is great to get a young person’s perspective on things in this world. There are so many more temptations that were not available to me years ago.
— Elizabeth Brown · Jul 14, 11:20 PM · #