often have you made the mistake of associating an unanswered prayer in your life to the result of sin or something wrong on your part?
There are various reasons for bareness. In this case it was neither sin nor demonic oppression. It had something to do with the high call of God.
Elizabeth and her husband had dearly longed for a child. They had prayed for one (Luke 1:13) and the culture of the day had demanded they needed one (Luke 1:25).
The years waiting had caused their hope for a child to fade. Zacharias, Elizabeth's husband, was unable to believe the angel when she brought the news that they could have a child (Luke 1:13-18). Do you blame him?
Elizabeth and Zacharias commitment and dedication to God was not based on what he had done (or not done) but on their love for him. They loved the Lord. Many have stopped serving God due to less severe circumstances.
Elizabeth had a vital role to play in the plan of God. If she had 'given up' on God because of her barrenness she would have fortified her "God given role" We may not always understand God but we should never cease trusting him.
Eliabeth's duty in bringing up John the Baptist was a very important one. All mothers are blessed with the privilege of raising young children have a very important ministry. How often this vital ministry has been overlooked.
Some ladies have even been know to get 'angry' with God because they think they have 'wasted' their lives bringing up children while others have been involved in more 'worthwhile ministry' What a mistake.
God kept Elizabeth to bring up John at the right time. He trusted Elizabeth and that's why he gave her John.
The beauty about the life of Elizabeth is that God used her as a clear picture of Christian ministry. Lets not forget that Elizabeth was probably old enough to be Mary's mother. Yet they both had children at the same time. Elizabeth had her child six months before Mary.
Age is no hindrance to min...