What steps can we take to trust God's promises like Elizabeth did? Setting the Scene: Elizabeth’s Example in Luke 1:36 “Even Elizabeth your relative has conceived a son in her old age, and she who was called barren is in her sixth month.” Against every natural impossibility, Elizabeth trusted the promise spoken by God through the angel. Her story shows us the pathway from hearing God’s word to resting in it. Step 1: Remember God’s Track Record • “For all the promises of God are ‘Yes’ in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 1:20) • “Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.” (Joshua 21:45) Rehearsing His past faithfulness fuels confidence for present needs. Step 2: Receive His Word Personally • “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) Elizabeth did not treat Gabriel’s report as distant news; she embraced it as her own. Open the Bible daily, underline what He speaks to you, and respond, “This is for me.” Step 3: Surround Yourself with Faith-Filled Voices Mary hurried to Elizabeth; their mutual encouragement strengthened both women (Luke 1:39-45). • “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) Choose companions who will echo God’s promises rather than your doubts. Step 4: Surrender the Timetable Elizabeth waited decades before conceiving. • “Though it lingers, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” (Habakkuk 2:3) Trust means letting God set the calendar while we keep serving faithfully today. Step 5: Speak Life and Praise Elizabeth exclaimed, “The Lord has done this for me!” (Luke 1:25). • “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” (Proverbs 18:21) Declare what God says, not what circumstances shout. Praise anchors the heart. Step 6: Stay Blameless in Conduct “Both were righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments.” (Luke 1:6) Obedience doesn’t earn promises, but it keeps our fellowship with God clear and our conscience confident. • “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” (James 1:22) Step 7: Celebrate Every Confirmation Neighbors and relatives “heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they rejoiced with her.” (Luke 1:58) Mark each answered prayer, each small sign of progress, and let thanksgiving reinforce trust for the next promise. Putting It All Together 1. Recall His unfailing history. 2. Personalize Scripture. 3. Cultivate faith-building relationships. 4. Yield the schedule to Him. 5. Speak praise over the process. 6. Walk in daily obedience. 7. Rejoice in every evidence of His faithfulness. Following these steps, we learn to lean on God’s promises with the same quiet certainty that carried Elizabeth from barrenness to blessing. |
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