Not yet. I discovered those two words as part of the definition of barren. I always thought the word ‘barren’ referred to someone incapable of having children. But as I continue to study Elizabeth’s life, I don’t see a woman who can’t conceive. I see a woman who hadn’t conceived. It’s not incapability. It’s ‘not yet.’
“But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years.” Luke 1:7 NKJV
What seemed like an impossibility was more an issue of timing. In my personal life, I’ve noticed that my timing doesn’t always coincide with His. Becoming a competitive athlete at age 58 was not what I had planned for myself after completing my Bachelor’s degree. I had planned to earn my Master’s by 60, but God said, “not yet.”
What is Your ‘Not Yet’?
Is there something that you thought you would have accomplished by now? Something everyone else in your family or friend group has already done? Can you imagine how Elizabeth must have felt? Think of being Zechariah’s wife, all the expectations, such a godly pedigree between the two of them, all the blessings she must have prayed for and hoped would come to fruition.
Good People Struggle Too
Separately and as a couple, Zechariah and Elizabeth were committed to following every requirement of righteousness before the Lord. Scripture says, “both were righteous”. Righteousness, barrenness, and advanced age are vital details of their story.
It’s not too late and you aren’t behind schedule. God’s timing, His will, and His plan for your life will all align at the proper time. ‘Not yet’ does not equal ‘never’. Waiting on God to answer your prayers can be time spent collecting wisdom, gathering insight, and surrendering to His purpose. Remember dear one, it’s not about your capabilities, it’s about His timing. It’s a holy wait. A sacred time. Embrace the ‘not yet’ season and let your heart say, “Amen” to His will.