Scripture Reading: Luke 1:5-25, Luke 1:57-79
Who among us hasn’t wondered if God really hears our prayers? My five-year-old son recently asked me this—“I can’t see Jesus. So what if he’s not listening to me? And what if I pray for no bad dreams, but I have one?” On more than one occasion, he has asked that we pray for a second or third time, just in case Jesus missed it the first time around.
I thought of my son and this important question as I meditated on the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Luke begins by telling us that both Zechariah and Elizabeth were “righteous in God’s sight, living without blame” (Luke 1:6). What an introduction! These two were as faithful as they come. And yet, their lives were characterized by daily heartache. Every day that Elizabeth went to the well or Zechariah to the market, they’d pass the throngs of children who were playing, singing, and working. And every day they’d be reminded of what they did not have.
It’s a good reminder for us all: Even the righteous suffer hardship in this life. Our sufferings need not be indicative that there is something wrong with our relationship with God. So often we jump to unhealthy conclusions that if we’re going through something difficult or painful, then God must be angry with us. But Elizabeth and Zechariah were righteous in God’s sight and still endured decades of hardship and sadness. God wasn’t angry with them. In fact, He was with them every step of the way (as we’ll see in this story).
When Zechariah entered the temple on his appointed day of service, the angel that met him spoke the words that so many of our hearts need to hear: “Your prayer has been heard” (Luke 1:13).
Now, remember: Zechariah is old, well past normal childbearing years. And yet, evidently he and his wife had not given up praying for a child. What a remarkable faith they must have had to believe that their God could still deliver their greatest hope! They were still praying, and God was still listening.
But more than one prayer was being answered here. In Luke 1:10, we are told that “the whole assembly of the people was praying outside.” What do you think they were praying for? What was the single greatest prayer of Zechariah’s peers and indeed the whole people of Israel? They longed for God to come to them and bring His promised Kingdom. The salvation of God’s people was their prayer. And when Gabriel showed up that day in the temple, he brought a word of comfort to the priest and his wife but also to the whole nation. Their prayer had been heard, for God had “raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David” (Luke 1:69).
The birth of John is cause for joy, but the coming of Jesus is cause for worship.
Written by Collin Ross
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87 thoughts on "Zechariah and Elizabeth"
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Hi, like many of us here, continue to pray for the salvation of my three children, as well as my six grandchildren. And sometimes I feel guilty when I miss a day of praying for that. But I know that the Lord hears my prayer and knows the circumstances. I can trust in Him to be glorified and His will to be done.
With you in prayer Tricia C, for those who do not know our Father God ..yet..
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BUT GOD.. ❤️
I agree with CEE GEE. “Even the righteous suffer hardship” And it doesn’t mean something is wrong with our relationship with our God. I’ve always just felt that we live in this fallen world (since Adam and Eve) and makes me a fallen person myself. Just because I love Jesus, doesn’t exempt me from experiencing hardship/suffering. I’m sure most of us, if not all of us, have at one point or another have had hard times, YET, our loving JESUS is walking right besides us or even holding us when we can’t walk. LOVE my JESUS! I cannot and will not do life without HIM!
So very true. Just because we love Jesus does not mean we are exempt from bad things happening to us.. that’s when we lean in, even more. He is the way, the truth and the life.. He hears our every cry.. every cry..
Hugs, Mari V.
Colin said:
“It’s a good reminder for us all: Even the righteous suffer hardship in this life. Our sufferings need not be indicative that there is something wrong with our relationship with God.”
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What a beautiful devo and Scripture reading today. So many good takeaways and comments.
Warren Wiersbe said thus:
“It was indeed a dark period of time for the nation of Israel. The people had heard no prophetic word from God for four hundred years—not since Malachi had promised the coming of Elijah (Mal. 4:5, 6). The spiritual leaders were shackled by tradition and, in some instances, corruption; and their king, Herod the Great, was a tyrant. He had nine (some say ten) wives, one of whom he had executed for no apparent reason. But no matter how dark the day, God always has His devoted and obedient people.”
Another commentary stated how the people were praying outside the temple- never giving up their prayers for a Savior. Both prayers (Z and E for a child and people of Israel for a Savior) were soon to be answered – in tandem!
I have a praise- mammo last week: good report, PTL! ❤
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
Thank you Cee Gee for sharing the history and context, very helpful. How wonderful you had a good Mammo report! Follow ups can be so nerve wracking.
So very true. Just because we love Jesus does not mean we are exempt from bad things happening to us.. that’s when we lean in, even more. He is the way, the truth and the life.. He hears our every cry.. every cry..
Hugs, Mari V.
That is good news dear Cee-Gee.. God hears our prayers.. Amen..❤️
Ladies, for those of you who commented on yesterday’s prayer request – thank you! I am praying again this morning and then will text her to see if we can meet up for coffee, after many of you advising an in person meet up rather than phone call.
Baby O. does not have any health/medical problems. He is not the least bit shy and loves people. As soon as the service is over he is happy and smiling and interacting with all who greet him. It seems he doesn’t like to have to be sitting on his parents lap for 45 mins-1 hr and would rather be crawling around.
…still, I continue to ask for the right words – I’ll let you know how it goes once we do meet up.
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@Donna Wolcott – what a horrible accident your son was in! I’m so sorry. I will be praying for his recovery, and thanking God that he was not alone when it happened and that there is no brain or spinal injuries.
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Dear Tina in Jeremiah 32:27 God says”Behold I am The Lord, The God of ALL flesh: is there anything to hard for me?”
Many of us live in seasons of waiting—waiting for healing, for purpose, for restoration, or for answers. Like Zechariah and Elizabeth, we may feel unseen or forgotten. But their story reminds us that delay is not denial. God hears. He sees. And sometimes, what feels like a “no” is really a “not yet” because He is aligning our story with His greater plan.
What prayer have you stopped praying because it’s been too long?
What if, like Zechariah and Elizabeth, God is still at work—just in a way you can’t see yet?
“…delay is not denial.” Amen! ❤
I wonder if perhaps Zechariah and Elizabeth had ceased praying for a child given their ages and accepted that God’s plan was different. Yet they continued in faith serving God. To me their story emphasizes that God never forgets or overlooks His children and their prayers. His answers don’t always come when and how we think best. But answers always come in God’s timing and for His purposes. Thank you Lord for your absolute faithfulness and perfect will. Such a comfort especially when life doesn’t make sense.
Hi Linda, I had never thought about them not praying anymore for a child but to just keep doing ministry work. Thank you for giving me something to ponder today.
That was my thought, as well, Linda, which brings me comfort that He not only hears our current plea, but He never forgets what He has heard and will answer when and if it is His will. Thanks for mentioning that as I wasn’t brave enough to do so! ❤
Through my growing up years, through college, and then while working in my career, my entire life’s aspiration was to be a wife and a mom. For reasons beyond my understanding, God determined that that was not the best for me. As I watched my childbearing years fade into the rear view mirror, I had no choice but to submit my dearest desires to the Lord and grieve the loss of what would never be. I assumed that God was saying “no” rather than “wait” and I worked hard to agree with Him about His plan for my life. A few years ago, when I was well-advanced in age (46 ;)) out of the blue, God brought a wonderful man into my life. That man has 3 grown children, 2 of whom have a complicated and difficult relationship with their mom. This year, I received Mother’s Day greetings from one of them. We just went and met other son’s new baby girl, who joined her 2 year old brother. That sweet boy calls me “grandma.” Mother’s Day! Grandma! God fulfilled my deepest desires—just in timing and ways different than anything I had imagined. God doesn’t promise marriage or families, but that doesn’t mean we can’t keep asking, all the while finding joy and contentment knowing that God wants our very best and is always acting for our good and His glory.
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Beautiful, Rachel. Thank you!
Ohhhhh….this is just such a beautiful testimony. And so encouraging. Thank you for sharing.
Awesome testimony, Rachel; thank you for sharing! ❤
Beautiful, Rachel! Our God knows exactly when we need it and what we need. ❤️
The words that describe Z & E in Luke 1:6 are a challenge for me, “Both were righteous in God’s sight, living without blame according to all the commands and requirements of the Lord.”
And it’s not for the accolades of others, to say “look at me.” Rather, because if that is where my heart, if that is the narrative that describes who I am, then I am in a place to better continually seek out the Lord, to walk with Him, to hear Him and to be in fellowship with Him. Its seeking the faith-filled obedient life that is patterned after what the Lord requires of us. And then when we are looking for His will and direction, when are hard pressed on every side, and asking for God’s hand to move, when we lay our requests before Him, our hearts are positioned to His will, His way and we can trust in Him. Because of their steadfast, faith-filled, obedience they were not only for God to answer their prayers, but also to be vessels of living out truth, evidence of God’s faithfulness and for hope to be delivered.
Lord, what amazing evidence of faith, commitment and obedience we see evidenced in the lives of your people. Guide and lead me Lord to walk with You. Move my heart and my desire to always be in tune with you, to fully seek you, to pursue righteousness, to trust and look to your will and not mine in every way. Amen
If I could ask you to pray for me please. I’ve had a couple health related things pop up that for most people would be normal, easily diagnosed and treated and then we carry on. My complicated health history dictates a bit more thorough investigation, which I’m grateful for, but its easy for great worry and anxiety to creep in that more is going on than just a run of the mill aging aches and pains, inconvenience, and not feeling well. Please pray that this resolves quickly, that symptoms are indeed typical and respond to the meds I’ve been given and for fear and anxiety to be at bay. I have more tests the next couple days. Thank you so much.
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Praying for your requests and that you would feel God’s presence instead of fear. ❤️
Praying ❤️
Praying in agreement, sister, and that peace replaces fear! The song, Fear, he is a liar” comes to mind. ❤
Praying Wendy that your tests will go smoothly and that you will feel the Lord with you helping you to not be afraid.
Great point about them making signs to his father – That never really dawned on me before!
I wondered if today’s art was John’s ultrasound photo?
There is a Christian phrase that says:G-d may not show up when you want him but He is right on time. A delay is not a denial.
Elizabeth and Zachariah had probably abandoned hope that they would have children and grandchildren.They were seniors!
In the tradition of Sarah,Rebecca, Rachel,and Hannah, Elizabeth had a baby. Can you imagine the OBGYN writing Advanced Maternal Age on her chart.
Their baby would herald the coming of Moshiach and make way for the hope of all Israel. He would be prophet like no other! Like Samuel and all the delayed babies, this baby had a special purpose in God’s kingdom.
John was not born too early or too late. He was born for such a time as this!
Random thought: Zachariah said:” Because of our God’s merciful compassion, THE DAWN FROM ON HIGH will visit us…”
What a beautiful name and reference to Jesus Christ! That brought me to tears. The DAWN FROM ON HIGH means a divine new day is coming to vist! JESUS, JESUS, JESUS! There breaking forth of light!
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Tanya, that phrase jumped out at me, too, to the degree that I reloaded the passage immediately after closing the page just to read it again! ❤
I love that Zechariah had faith but he still had some doubt…but that didn’t stop God. Instead He was still gracious to give them their son! We have moments of doubt but may it never stop God’s plan in our lives. Lord, help.me, help us to always trust You. Nothing is too hard for You, impossible is what You do!
1 John 5:14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to HIS WILL, he hears us.
“Your prayer has been heard.” Luke 1:13…after MANY years – they were still praying and God was still listening.
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On Sunday Jeff preached a sermon titled, “He Hears Us”.
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Both that sermon and today’s study is such a wonderful reminder that God hears our prayers – every single one of them!
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Sometimes we stop praying because we think God doesn’t hear us. We must continue trusting with that deep “knowing” that is long standing. We are to trust Him in the long term, and we will see answers.
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Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. 1John 5:14-15
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We are to align our prayers with God’s will, and have confidence that He hears.
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So many of us here have been praying some long,long standing prayers. Sometimes we feel like they are going no higher than the ceiling, we grow weary – but we must not lose heart, we must never stop because – He hears us when we pray!
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@Aleida – continued prayers today for Victor.
@Natalie Bryson – Praying for your friend Kathy.
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Happy Tuesday She’s! ❤️
Thank you for those words Sharon Jersey Girl
Yes, this!
Amen! ❤
Jesus is cause to worship with joy!
The first thing Zechariah did when his mouth was opened was PRAISE GOD- mediating on this today- is my first reaction to praise God? Honestly it’s usually patting myself on my back- Lord remove from me any sinful ways I am still clinging to, teach me to act with blind obedience and heal my heart so that I will continue to TRUST you. Amen! Happy Tuesday She’s!
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I am amazed every time I read Gods Word. It always speaks to me in ways I never thought of. It is alive and active! I love you Father!
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Although I haven’t been posting much lately, I’m here daily and praying along with all of you. Today I have a prayer request. I previously had requested prayer for my husband’s cousin’s son who had multiple medical problems and hospitalizations. Sadly 15-year-old boy Kailand went to be with Jesus last week. His funeral is on Thursday. It was a miracle he lived as long as life as he did. He had heart surgery multiple times, even when he was only a few days old. But that makes the loss no easier. Asking for prayers for his family who are deeply grieving.
Praying for Kailand’s family. ❤️
Praying for this family in such a tragedy.
Praying for Kailand’s family and all who knew him.
Sending prayers, Karen! ❤
Praying for Kallands family. The gap in their lives is going to be huge.. praying they know peace and the hope that Kalland is safe with Jesus now..
Sending you dear Karen, hugs covered in prayers as you walk this journey of bereavement with the family..
Much love..Tina
I stand, sit, kneel in awe of You, Lord, Almighty God.
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Even in Z’s righteous walk with God, he still didn’t initially trust the words of Gabriel to be truth.
Zacharias – How shall I know this?
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Mary – How can this be, since I do not know a man?
– Z questioning whether the words are truth
– M wondering about how the process will work
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‘So they made signs to his father’ – this is a puzzler to me as he was rendered mute, not deaf. Reminder for communicating and interacting with anyone with a disability (or their preferred terminology) – no assumptions.
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The prophecy proclaimed by Z through the work of the Holy Spirit, woohoo!
Luke 1:
76 “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest;
For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,
77 To give knowledge of salvation to His people
By the remission of their sins,
78 Through the tender mercy of our God,
With which the Dayspring (Messiah) from on high has visited (shall visit) us;
79 To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,
To guide our feet into the way of peace.”
*footnotes included in parentheses
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SHARON JERSEY GIRL – praying for wisdom and guidance not only in what to say, but also whether to speak (in person if possible) in addressing this issue with the little one’s mom. Praying for you, Jeff and congregation to be able to tune out the disruption if you feel guided not to speak at this time. Agreeing that if you are led to speak up, that you will be able to offer a solution of letting her know if he needs help in nursery, or help from you/others as needed. Really praying for wisdom here.
MERCY – so beautiful! Resonates with me even though I am SO not a gardener.
TERESA DONLEY – thankful for Amanda’s successful surgery and praying for complete recovery (and following dr instructions) ❤️
DONNA WOLCOTT – praying, sister, for Matt’s recovery, for his lung to drain properly, for his spirits to stay up as his body heals.
CEE GEE – “all that He endured ….was done out of love for us” ❤️❤️❤️
TAYLOR – good to see you and thank you for the update. Praying for your dad as he continues to heal.
LYNNE FROM AL ❤️
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Request for wisdom in rehab location assigned for recovering family member
Thank you Searching! I appreciate all the prayers – especially for wisdom!❤️
Praying over all!
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Joining in these prayers!
Father forgive my doubt, reward my faith. You are with me in the valleys and the mountains. You hold me in Your victorious right hand. You will not leave or forsake me. Your goodness and mercy follow me all the days of my life. I am so undeserving and so grateful. Thank you Jesus for making a way when there was no way. Amen
Amen and amen!❤️
Amen! ❤
DONNA WOLCOTT – Thanking God your son made it to the hospital and for his partner; praying for his pain and health; praying for the loved ones around him, taking this journey with him.
SHARON J GIRL – praying for your discussion (never easy) and that it leads to something that works for the parents and the rest of the congregation equally. I agree that this is definitely an in-person conversation.
TAYLOR – praising and praying for Dad
Thank you Foster Mama for your prayers! ❤️
Zechariah & Elizabeth
A story of quiet faith,
Honest doubts,
And ultimate Joy!
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Their story tells me:
God sees
God acts
God includes us in His plans
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You are the God who hears long-held prayers. You are the One who brings life to barren places. You fulfill promises, even after years of silence.
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Help me trust You in the waiting. Where my heart has grown weary, breathe hope. Where I’ve carried quiet shame or disappointment, speak Your healing grace. When I struggle to believe, remind me that You are faithful even when I am uncertain.
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Just as You used their lives for something far greater than they imagined, use mine too—for Your glory and the good of others.
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Prepare my heart like John prepared the way—for Your presence, Your peace, and Your purpose. Amen.
Beautifully written. Thank you ❤️
Kimberly, what an honest beautiful prayer. I join you in this prayer for both of us.
Amen! For good and the glory!
Beautifully spoken. ❤️
Amen ❤️
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Amen❤️
“Blessed is the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has visited
and provided redemption for his people.”
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Thank You, Lord, for the faithful examples of Zechariah and Elizabeth, continuing to trust and to serve You while walking in disappointment and grief.
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SHARON JERSEY GIRL – praying for wisdom for the upcoming conversation, hopefully in person.
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TAYLOR – thanks for the update. Rejoicing with you that your dad’s surgery went well.
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INDIANA ELAINE – praying your doctor appt went well and you are getting some relief from pain.
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Praying for the VBS events this week. May the children and their families come to know Jesus.
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Thank you Kelly! It gives such peace and courage knowing my sisters are praying! ❤️
Thanks, Kelly! ❤
Amen ❤️
Amen❤️
This warms my heart so much! And, on so many levels..
I mean, who still prays for a child at a grand old age and yet Zechariah and Elizabeth did!
That hope, that trust, that belief!
Oh to have a mustard seed version of that!
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My personal prayer ‘for me’ is that I might get a chance at being in partnership, in love, being loved (beyond my wildest dreams) and if all that fails for someone, a stronger hand to just hold mine, other than the tiny hand of a grandson..
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As I go into retirement, there is a sense of ‘that’s is it’, ‘too late’, ‘no chance now’ and the one thst seems to swim around in my head a lot is.. ‘you are old now.’
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BUT GOD…
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I have trusted Him in the most unlikely places and He has come through. I have looked to Him when I felt I had to, not necessarily because I trusted Him, or believed, but because He was my last Hope.. and He has seen me right.. even then..
There is definitely a fine line of will He? won’t He?
This is where my history with my Father God comes in, I know with all my heart that God has been faithful to me! Undeserving me! No question about that!
I know He has been near when I have felt alone and lost.
I know that He has provided in the small and the large.
I know, He puts me in situations I can handle.. by and in His grace
I know my life has had a few (a fair few) knocks back and front, BUT GOD has always journeyed with me, and seen me safely to shore..
I know He comforted me in those dark days of loss and not just that He filled me with a hope when He showed me where my loved one was..
I know God is in every detail of my life..
Take last week, HE COVERED ME with peace through your prayers and interceding..
I do not take these things lightly or for granted, but I do wonder, in Lisa Harpers words.. ..”there is someone out there, but maybe they are lost but are too proud to ask for directions..”
I smile as I write, as i realize the truth is, my story is not over, though I write as if it is, (Forgive me, Lord God..), while I have breathe, my story continues, and that is my statement of Hope, Trust and Believing that God has not forgotten or ignored my silent prayer for another chance at love and perhaps a husband..
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I am indeed thankful for this devotional, it sure has reminded me of who my Father God is..
A faithful God who hears and never ignores, but has planned for just the right time, for the impact of what He has done, and for glory to be His and His alone.
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BUT GOD..
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AMEN.
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Happy Tuesday loved ones, Happy Tuesday covered in much love and prayers and wrapped in grateful hugs..❤️
So beautiful, Tina. My heart is touched by your words and your request.
I loved “my personal prayer ‘for me’ “ and I will join you in praying ‘for you’ ❤️
Praying for you Tina!
Amen, Tina! I am praying for you and so thankful that God laid those words on your heart to share this morning. I pray for that second chance at love and companionship, too. Even if that prayer is not in God’s plan for me I know I am His treasured child and loved. Through your words and today’s scripture I am reminded to continue praying, bringing my requests to Him and clinging to the hope that is in my heart as I share my Father’s love and kindness with this world.
Praying your prayer alongside of you Tina ❤️
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Praying along with you Tina that God will bring that special someone into your life. ❤️
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I listen to Lisa Harper too, and many times have heard her say, “there is someone out there, but maybe they are lost but are too proud to ask for directions..” I love her sense of humor and her knowledge of the Word!
Hugs and prayers for you, Sweet Tina ❤️
Tina praying for your heart’s desire! I too love to listen to Lisa Harper!
Tina, you bless us so with your beautiful shares, especially your vulnerability in relationships. You speak to so many of our heart longings! May God send this person to you sooner rather than later and may that special one realize that God brought you together! Love and hugs! ❤
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