You Have Not Been Forgotten By God

Keys to Strengthen Your Faith

I want you to know that you have  not  been  forgotten  by  God,  even  though  it  may  seem  that  you  have. “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” (Isa. 49:15, NIV).

A devoted couple in the Bible whose son would be the forerunner to Jesus Christ leave us with some valuable lessons about remaining steadfast in our faith when it seems like God has completely forgotten about us.

When Herod was king of Judea, there was a Jewish priest named Zechariah. He was a member of the priestly order of Abijah, and his wife, Elizabeth, was also from the priestly line of Aaron. Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations. They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old (Luke 1:5–7, NLT).

Although this couple was barren, they continued to live righteously before God, and carefully obeyed all of His commandments. Even as the black hairs on their heads turned gray, they did not stop loving and serving God.

As they neared the end of their lives, their dream of ever having children appeared to be completely over. And if they had been bitter deep within their hearts after serving God for so long, it would be easy for all of us to understand.  We can also imagine their pain each time a newborn was dedicated at the temple.

But though Elizabeth and Zechariah continued to lack one of life’s greatest blessings: a child of their own, they did not allow their love for God or one another to grow cold. Instead, they yielded their whole hearts to God in worshipful submission.  This couple reveal to us the picture of true lovers of God who continue to honor and serve Him even though their plight seemed to be completely ignored by God.

While wrestling with infertility, they did not change their hearts toward Him, but continued to love and serve God faithfully day and night. Many onlookers may also have privately or even publicly mocked them for what looked like fruitless service to God, but Elizabeth and Zechariah continued to love God. If we are willing to give God our ultimate love like this couple did even when it looked like all hope was lost, unexpected miracles will happen in our lives.

Ultimate trust in God will yield ultimate blessings from Him.

Though Elizabeth and Zechariah were definitely too old to consider ever having children of their own, a spectacular miracle suddenly unfolded in their lives! “Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son.” (Luke 1:57 ESV). Also, see (Luke 1:8–17, 18–20, 57–58).

I pray that God’s wonders will also powerfully manifest in our own lives as we remain steadfast in our relationship with Him. God is more faithful than we are and He never forgets His beloved and faithful children.

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” (Heb. 6:10, NIV).

How will you respond to God when it seems like your love and service toward Him are in vain?

A modified excerpt from “Giving God Ultimate Love: Over-the-Top Mega Love. Learn more