Have you ever given up on God because you thought He had given up on you? Have you prayed for years about your heart’s desire, searching the horizon for the faintest sign that God had heard your prayers, yet seeing no outward confirmation that He had even taken notice?
In Luke 1:5-25 we read of an elder priest named Zechariah who was chosen by lot to burn incense in the temple—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. For decades he and his wife, Elizabeth, had prayed for a son, “but Elizabeth was barren and they were both well along in years.” (v. 7)
The angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah in the temple (v. 13), saying, “Your prayer has been heard.” Literally, “That prayer, which you no longer offer, was heard.” Although Zechariah had given up praying for a son, God had not given up on Zechariah’s desire, for God had placed His own desire in Zechariah’s heart!
After this Elizabeth became pregnant. In verse 25 she declares: “The Lord has done this for me. In these days He has shown His favor…” This last phrase comes from the Greek word, épeidon, which means “to take notice of, consider, pay attention to, show concern or favor.”
Christmas means that God has already taken notice of us! He has shown us His favor by sending His Son to come as our One and Only Way Maker. Christmas is our reminder that God has never given up on us—and that we should never give up on Him.
Having been in ministry over 25 years, Karen is a gifted speaker, worship leader, songwriter and dramatic performer. She is a licensed and ordained minister who has traveled extensively in North America and abroad, and loves to inspire and instruct others in the memorization and delivery of God’s Word.
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I do so appreciate your Revelation CD-set that I purchased at a Joyce Meyer meeting in St. Louis several years ago. I am going to purchase another because I have really worn them out. Have a wonderful blessed Christmas. God bless you and yours. God bless America. We so need to get back to Jesus in schools and public places.
Naomi
I appreciate your kind remarks, Naomi. Delivering Revelation excerpts at the Joyce Meyer Women”s Conference was a pure delight! I trust your Christmas celebration was as joyful as mine. May The Lord crown your new year with His bounty! (Psalm 65:11)
Dear Karen,
Thank you for this encouraging word about Christmas. Thank you for reminding me that God has not forgotten me and that He takes notice.
About 2 years ago I felt that God wanted me to memorize the book of Ephesians and deliver it to the church. It is to be delivered just like a message would be from the heart. I did present it to the local Foursquare Church here and many people were very touched by the Holy Spirit. Since that time, I have not done it again but do know that God has a plan for it.
I first heard Revelation at a Foursquare Women’s Conference in Daytona. You presented it there and some of the ladies bought CD’s, including myself. On the way home in the van (which was a four hour drive) we all listened to the CD and talked about heaven. It was an amazing time because it was as though for the hours we were driving that we were transported to the heavenlies. Thank you for all the months, weeks, days, hours that you put into it, and also for your patience and willingness to see it through to completion. Your effort and the fruit of it certainly has not gone unnoticed. Praise God.
In Jesus Name,
Sharon Zook
Thank you, Sharon, for sharing your story. I cannot tell you how much it means to me to begin the New Year by reading such an encouraging testimony. Congratulations on memorizing Ephesians—that’s no small task! I would love to hear you deliver it someday. In the meantime, we shall continue to hide God’s Word in our hearts. May the Lord richly bless you!