Are you surprised when God answers your prayer? A Spark teacher told an amazing story to our students in our version of a Disciple-now weekend. On a mission trip the teacher attended, a rainstorm threatened a construction project. The group prayed for the rain to go around. The rain fell on all sides but did not hit the newly poured concrete. My friend was amazed and astonished. Then one of the missionaries asked him, “Why were you surprised?” Good question!
Remember Zechariah was ready. He had waited his whole lifetime for the moment at hand to enter the temple and burn incense. He and Elizabeth had asked God for a son. Suddenly Gabriel stood there. He shook with fear. Gabriel told him not to be afraid. God had heard his prayers. A son would be born. His name would be John. He would bring them joy and delight.
What kind of son was God sending the elderly Zechariah and Elizabeth? A great son. What would be great about John? He would be full of God even before his birth. After he was born, John would turn people back to God and get them ready for the coming of the Messiah. Through John’s preaching, parents’ hearts would go out to their own children, and disobedient people would to the Lord.
Have we ever needed this more? When we pray, we are preparing ourselves for what God is about to do. God may raise up in this generation one who walks closely with God to prepare others to turn and return to the Lord. Pray that God will raise up great sons and daughters. Pray that our descendants will be full of the Holy Spirit. Pray that they will help others get ready to return to the Lord. Pray that you and I will be ready.
