Luke 1:5–25

Zechariah and Elizabeth were faithful, righteous people who lived their entire lives waiting on God’s promises—even though nothing in their circumstances suggested God was moving. They served, obeyed, and prayed while living through disappointment, national hardship, and personal shame. Elizabeth remained barren. Their nation was oppressed. Many around them had given up on believing God would ever act.

Yet they continued to trust.

When Zechariah was chosen to enter the Temple and offer incense—a rare, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—God finally broke the silence. Gabriel announced that their prayer had been heard and they would have a son, John, who would prepare the way for the Messiah. Even then, Zechariah struggled to believe because the timing felt too late. God silenced him, not as punishment, but to quiet him long enough to see that God works according to His appointed time.

The message is simple: even when God seems slow or inactive, He is still at work. The Christmas story consistently pairs brokenness with new birth—Mary’s poverty, Elizabeth’s barrenness, Israel’s suffering—and yet God brings life out of all of it.

For anyone waiting for healing, provision, reconciliation, guidance, or change, this story reminds us: Don’t give up. The King has one more move.

1. What is something you’ve had to wait a long time for. How did the waiting affect you?

2. What stood out to you most from Zechariah and Elizabeth’s story?

3. What helps you remain faithful when God seems silent or slow to act?

4. Why do you think Zechariah struggled to believe even when Gabriel stood in front of him?

5. How does the idea of God’s “appointed time” reshape how you view your current season?

6. Where are you tempted to give up hope right now? What would choosing trust look like this week?

Action Step

Choose one area where you are waiting on God. Each day this week, pray: “Lord, help me trust You as I wait. Show me the next step and give me courage to take it.”