Zacharias and Elisabeth were good people. Their reputations are preserved for us by Luke: “And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.” They must have had a wonderful life together. Still, they had one burden: they had no child because Elisabeth was barren.

We are all familiar with burdens. Some carry loads that are especially heavy. Burdens may concern any area of life. It is important to know what to do with them. Zacharias and Elisabeth prayed about their burden and though the answer was long in coming, their prayer was heard. Their burden drove them to their knees and therefore it became a blessing. Prayer may sometimes seem futile. There were probably times when Zacharias and Elisabeth joined their hearts in prayer for a child and found their faith small. Nevertheless, they kept praying and finally they were rewarded.

Zacharias was going about his regular duty when the angel appeared to let him know that Elisabeth would bear a son. Though he was burdened, he did not allow his concern to cripple him. He kept on working — serving the Lord — performing his daily tasks. We must not forget that God is still on the throne and that we are always to pray and not to faint. Fainting fails, but faith prevails.

The angelic message was difficult to accept. Zacharias was overwhelmed and asked for a sign that this experience was real, therefore he was stricken dumb until the miracle was completed. Remember that God is both faithful and able. Give your burdens to Him today.