Both were righteous before God .... But they had no children (Luke 1:6,7)
Barrenness, both physical and spiritual, can cause bitterness for some of God's children. Bitterness can grow in the hearts of married couples who are disappointed because they cannot have children. Bitterness can also occur when people serve God but see no fruit.
A missionary couple who served faithfully for years without any real fruit asked desperately, "Have we wasted our lives?" There is also a young pastor and his wife who have worked hard for five years, even giving their lives for their congregation. But those people are ungrateful and passive. "Do they care?" the wife asked.
Zechariah and Elizabeth, mentioned in Luke 1, are examples for anyone who is facing physical or spiritual barrenness. This elderly couple has an unblemished reputation, and served God faithfully and obediently for many years (verse 6). They had prayed for children, but had none. Even so, they are not bitter in heart, but continue to serve God and obey Him. In His time, God gave them a child named John, who would prepare the way for the Messiah (vv. 13-17).
To avoid spiritual bitterness in your life, serve and obey God faithfully where He calls you. Trust that God will bless you in His time, in His way, and according to His plan --Dave Egner
BE FAITHFUL--AND LEAVE THE RESULTS TO GOD
* Take from Daily Reflections