In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah ... And he had a wife ... Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. (Luke 1:5a, 6-7)

My husband and I were childless for many years. And how much it hurt, every time someone confidently told us they knew the reason why. God was punishing us for some sin—we were under a curse, and that's why we couldn't have children! Zechariah and Elizabeth must have heard that accusation many times.

But even more hurtful than human blame is the silence of God in a situation like that. We pray—and God does not answer. Or if He does, the answer is unclear. What can we do? Nothing but keep praying—and continue to follow Him faithfully, even through doubt and darkness.

You may be going through an experience like this right now. If you are, please remember that getting a "no" or "not yet" answer to your prayer doesn't mean God is punishing you, or that you sinned. Elizabeth and Zechariah were in the same boat, and the Bible calls them "blameless."

As someone who trusts in Jesus, you too are blameless and righteous, chosen to be God's own family. And as you walk through the darkness, you cling to the One who lay down His life on the cross for you—and rose from the dead, to make you His forever.

WE PRAY: Dear Savior, help me in my times of darkness and doubt. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

* When have you had to deal with God's "no" or "not yet" to your prayers?

* How did it make you feel?

* How did you keep trusting Jesus in that difficult time?

Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

Today's Bible Readings: Ezra 1-2    1 John 4

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