Seen by God in the Waiting: The Faith of Elisabeth

This week’s devotional centers on Elisabeth, a woman whose quiet faith and prophetic voice shine brightly in the opening chapter of Luke (Luke 1:5–80). Her name, meaning “God is my Oath,” reflects a life anchored in covenant faithfulness. Elisabeth was a descendant of Aaron and the wife of Zechariah the priest, situating her firmly within Israel’s priestly lineage.

Scripture describes both Elisabeth and Zechariah as “righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord” (Luke 1:6). Yet their righteousness did not exempt them from sorrow. Elisabeth was barren, and in her culture barrenness carried deep social shame and personal grief. Still, she remained faithful—praying, hoping, and trusting God even when the years passed and the answer seemed delayed.

Her story echoes other women in Scripture whom God remembered in their barrenness—Sarah (Genesis 21), Rebekah (Genesis 25), Rachel (Genesis 30), and Hannah (1 Samuel 1). Like them, Elisabeth’s closed womb became a stage for God’s glory. When God opened her womb in old age, it was not merely to grant her personal joy, but to advance His redemptive plan. She would give birth to John the Baptist, the forerunner who would “prepare the way of the Lord” (Isaiah 40:3; Luke 1:76).

Her response to God’s mercy is deeply instructive. Elisabeth testified, “Thus the Lord has dealt with me…to take away my reproach among people” (Luke 1:25). Rather than bitterness, her words reveal gratitude and humility. God’s timing restored her dignity and silenced years of unspoken pain.

One of the most powerful moments in Elisabeth’s life occurs during Mary’s visit. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elisabeth recognized the presence of the Messiah still in Mary’s womb and proclaimed, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (Luke 1:42). As Herbert Lockyer notes, she was “the first woman to confess Jesus in the flesh.” Her declaration was prophetic, Spirit-led, and faith-filled—affirming God’s work before it was visible to the world.

Elisabeth also modeled spiritual discernment and courage when she insisted on naming her son John, in obedience to God’s command, despite cultural expectations (Luke 1:59–60). Her obedience aligned her with God’s purpose rather than human tradition.

Elisabeth’s life teaches us that:

• Righteousness does not mean the absence of hardship.
• Waiting seasons are not wasted seasons.
• God’s promises are fulfilled in His perfect timing.
• Faith can rejoice even before the promise is fully seen.
• Quiet obedience can carry prophetic power.

Elisabeth may not speak often in Scripture, but when she does, her words are saturated with faith, truth, and the Holy Spirit. Her story invites us to trust God when prayers seem unanswered, to rejoice in God’s timing, and to boldly affirm His work—even when it is still unfolding.

Reflection Question:
Where in your life is God inviting you to trust Him again—to believe that delay does not mean denial, and that He is still faithful to His promises?