“And how he has helped his servant, Israel! He has not forgotten his promise to be merciful. For he promised our fathers—Abraham and his children—to be merciful to them forever.” (Luke 1:54-55 TLB)
Imagine Mary, a sweet young girl experiencing within her own body the fulfillment of God’s promise to her people. She joyfully praised God with Elizabeth, who was experiencing a miracle pregnancy in her old age. Mary burst into praise with humble awareness that she would bear the Son of God.
“Oh, how I praise the Lord. How I rejoice in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and now generation after generation forever shall call me blest of God. For he, the mighty Holy One, has done great things to me. His mercy goes on from generation to generation, to all who reverence him.” (Luke 1:46-50 TLB)
The nation had waited a long time for God to fulfill His promise of a deliverer, their Messiah. From Israel’s nomadic beginnings to the Judges, the Kings, the Prophets, and then the 400 silent years, the people hoped.
That’s a long wait to realize God’s promise! Those who originally received this word didn’t see it fulfilled in their lifetime. But it came to pass just as God had said. His words are true and reliable.
God has spoken promises in my life too. He’s used scripture to encourage me… that He would restore my soul like streams in the desert, that He’d provide for me, and that I would have a baby. His past faithfulness encourages me to continue waiting on God to fulfill His other promises.
It’s a bit humbling to accept that there is nothing we can do to rush God’s timing or to make it happen. The fulfillment of God’s word doesn’t depend on our desire or effort but on His mercy. Our part is to believe and wait.
What promise has God sown in your heart that you’re waiting for? Keep hoping in Him. His timing is perfect. He will act—as surely as He has kept all His promises. He’s a promise-keeping God.
“The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.”
Wendy Thayer is a Biblical counselor and writer. She enjoys offering women support for life’s challenges through her ministry “Hope's Rising.” She's the author of I Wish for You Hope, Inspirational Christian quotes for grief, loss, and healing a broken heart. For more encouragement and hope, visit www.wendythayerministries.com.
Here is a hyperlink to her book on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Wish-You-Hope-Inspirational-Christian/dp/0990769429/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ZU4SCCMREXTU&keywords=i+wish+for+you+hope+wendy+thayer&qid=1692733102&sprefix=i+wish+for+you+hope+wen%2Caps%2C177&sr=8-1