Women in the Bible - Elizabeth

Elizabeth, a woman of faith, was highly honored by God.  Her faith is what turned her life around.  She had always wanted a child, but could not conceive.  That didn’t stop her from believing in a miracle.  She knew in her heart that God would answer her prayer. 

   When an angel appeared to Zechariah, Elizabeth’s husband, he was startled and gasped with fear.  The angel said “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, your prayer has been heard.  Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.”  Luke 1:13 

   Zechariah told the angel that they were too old to have a child; and because of his unbelief, lost his voice.  He would not be able to talk until the child was born. 

   Unlike Zechariah, Elizabeth never doubted for a moment that God, if He so willed, could bless her with a child.  Not long after the angel appeared to Zechariah, Elizabeth found out that she was expecting a baby.

   Mary, soon to be the mother of Jesus, visited Elizabeth.  When God begins working in our lives in a new way, it’s good for us to talk things over with someone.  Often, God will speak to us through that person to give us the encouragement to carry out what He has asked us to do. 

   For three months, Elizabeth and Mary shared what was on their hearts with each other.  They joyfully and excitedly planned the birth of their sons, who were to be near the same age.

   After Elizabeth gave birth to her little boy, her relatives wanted her to name the child after Zechariah, his father.  Elizabeth, said, “not so, but he shall be called John.”  Luke 1:60

   When Zechariah agreed with his wife to name the child John, his mouth opened and he could talk again.  Another miracle had come to pass in the home of Elizabeth.  Her husband was healed.  What an exciting moment for Elizabeth and John.  He could speak again and they both held in their arms the promised child.

   God had a purpose for Elizabeth, Zechariah and John.  He has plans for every son and daughter.  All we have to do is ask Him what He wants for us to do and then act upon it.

    The story of Elizabeth ends as her son’s story begins.  What greater honor could a mother have than to know that her son would be called a prophet of the Most High.  John the Baptist would go before the Lord to prepare the way for him.  And today, those of us who have faith to believe can experience miracles in our life.