Luke 1:5-7 NIV

In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years.

 Are you a person that likes to know the why? Why did this happen or why did that happen? Where did I mess up? How can I fix it? You are among friends. Most all of us are, by nature, interested in the “why.” Make no mistake about it; there are laws that govern most everything in this universe, so “cause and effect” is valid. But it seems to me that there are also events which seem to be orchestrated by a higher order of operation.

When it comes to the blessing God spoke over mankind in Genesis to be fruitful and multiply (Gen. 1:26-28), barrenness would have to be viewed as a curse. However the above passage describes Zechariah and Elizabeth as upright and blameless in the sight of the Lord, yet barren. So what’s up?

Check out this account of Jesus’ and His disciples out of the Gospel of John: Walking down the street, Jesus saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked, “Rabbi, who sinned: this man or his parents, causing him to be born blind?” Jesus said, “You’re asking the wrong question. You’re looking for someone to blame. There is no such cause-effect here. Look instead for what God can do (John 9:1-3).

 Did you get that last part? Look instead for what God CAN do. Don’t get trapped by the blame game, and especially, don’t blame God! You know what, even if your situation or that of a loved one is a result of past mistakes, it doesn’t matter. God is a master at taking our knots and making bow ties! If you are spending time in His Word and fellowshipping with Him on a daily basis, He will let you know if He wants you to change something you are doing or if He’s going to change something you can’t. Find yourself in His presence, and listen for the direction He will always give.

Suggested Biblical Meditation: Luke 1, John 9