All Things

We don’t think much about background noise, but it’s with us!  So many different types of noises, some undetectable while others mildly-to-horribly irritating.  Mostly, we try to block it out and go on about business but some noises challenge us: barking dogs, whining children, dripping faucets, are-we-there-yet-are-we-there-yet-are-we-there-yet.  Yeah, some things just can’t be ignored!

Seldom do we notice what God is accomplishing while we “do life.”  For many years, Zacharias faithfully served in the temple while Elizabeth faithfully prayed for a child.  Years otherwise lost in faithful dutifulness were actually fulfilling the sovereign plan and purpose of God.  Luke continues, “Now the time had come for Elizabeth to give birth, and she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had displayed His great mercy toward her; and they were rejoicing with her. And it happened that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to call him Zacharias, after his father. But his mother answered and said, ‘No indeed; but he shall be called John.’ And they said to her, ‘There is no one among your relatives who is called by that name.’ And they made signs to his father, as to what he wanted him called. And he asked for a tablet and wrote as follows, ‘His name is John.’ And they were all astonished. And at once his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he began to speak in praise of God. Fear came on all those living around them; and all these matters were being talked about in all the hill country of Judea. All who heard them kept them in mind, saying, ‘What then will this child turn out to be?’ For the hand of the Lord was certainly with him.” (1:57-66)  As God fulfills His promises and acts to complete His overall purpose, He faithfully meets the personal needs of righteous people.  This child, John and forerunner of Jesus Christ, was the answer to a couple’s personal prayers and preached repentance and redemption through the coming Messiah. Just like the crowd, we fail to see and furthermore protest and rebel against God’s sovereignty, forfeiting the glorious joy of a trusting obedience. As Zacharias’ ability to speak was returned to him, Luke fittingly records “he began to speak in praise of God.” I cannot explain how God may choose to use a dripping faucet or a barking dog to His good in us, but there is certain confidence He uses all things for the “good of them that love the Lord.” (Romans 8:28)  Do not forget, this season and beyond, to praise Him in all things.