The story of Elizabeth and Zechariah is one of those beautiful examples in Scripture where God shows us He’s working behind the scenes—even when things seem impossible. This couple was chosen for something extraordinary: they would become the parents of John the Baptist, the one who would prepare the way for Jesus.

But what makes their story especially meaningful is how differently they reacted to God’s plan. Zechariah struggled with doubt and hesitation, while Elizabeth embraced what God was doing with faith and trust. Their responses remind us how we often approach God’s plans—sometimes with faith, sometimes with fear—and how He is faithful through it all.

As I’ve reflected on their story, I’ve realized just how much it mirrors my own journey of motherhood. Trusting God’s plan for my life hasn’t always come easily, especially when it comes to giving up control over what I thought my life should look like.

Elizabeth and Zechariah’s Story

Elizabeth and Zechariah were faithful, devout followers of God. Luke 1:6 describes them as “righteous” and “blameless,” and they had spent their lives serving Him. But there was a deep heartache in their story: they had no children, and by this point, they were far too old to think it was possible.

Then, out of nowhere, God changed everything. The angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah while he was serving in the temple and announced that they would have a son—a son who would prepare people’s hearts for Jesus. This was incredible news, but Zechariah and Elizabeth reacted in two very different ways.

Zechariah’s Struggle with Control and Doubt

When Gabriel told Zechariah the news, his response wasn’t exactly one of excitement or faith. Instead, he hesitated.

“How can I be sure of this? I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years” (Luke 1:18).

Zechariah wanted certainty. He wanted proof. In a way, I think he struggled with control—just like many of us do. He couldn’t see how this could possibly happen, and instead of trusting God’s promise, he tried to make sense of it on his own terms.

As a result, Gabriel told Zechariah he wouldn’t be able to speak until the baby was born. It might sound harsh, but in reality, it gave Zechariah time to reflect and let go of his need to control the situation.

Elizabeth’s Quiet Faith

Elizabeth, on the other hand, had a very different response. When she became pregnant, she didn’t demand answers or question God’s plan. Instead, she embraced it with humility and gratitude:

“The Lord has done this for me… In these days He has shown His favor and taken away my disgrace among the people” (Luke 1:25).

Later, when Mary visited her, Elizabeth’s faith was on full display. Filled with the Holy Spirit, she immediately recognized that Mary was carrying the Messiah and celebrated what God was doing:

“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!” (Luke 1:42).

Elizabeth’s quiet faith and trust in God’s plan are so inspiring. She didn’t try to control or question what God was doing—she simply trusted that He would provide.

My Journey: Letting Go of My Childhood Dream

When I think about Elizabeth’s quiet faith, I can’t help but think about my own journey of motherhood. Trusting God’s plan has been one of the hardest and most rewarding challenges in my life, especially in this season of leaving my teaching career to homeschool my daughter, Luci.

Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed of being a teacher. It wasn’t just a passing thought—it was a passion that shaped my life. I worked hard for that goal, putting in years of studying, training, and preparation. When I finally became a teacher, I truly loved it. I loved my students, the classroom, and the joy of watching kids learn and grow. Teaching felt like more than just a job; it felt like a calling.

But when I became a mom, balancing my career and motherhood became overwhelming. Both roles demanded so much of me, and I felt like I wasn’t able to give my best to either one. I wrestled with feelings of failure, asking God over and over for clarity and direction. I thought maybe He would show me how to balance everything better, but His answer was something I didn’t expect—or honestly, want: homeschooling.

The idea of letting go of my career as a teacher was heartbreaking. I had worked so hard for that dream, and it was such a big part of my identity. I loved teaching, and I couldn’t imagine walking away from it. Like Zechariah, I struggled with control—I wanted to trust God’s plan, but I also wanted to hold onto my own.

Teaching Looks Different Now

It took me years to surrender. I kept wrestling with God, clinging to the life I thought I wanted, but deep down I knew He was calling me to something new. When I finally brought up the idea of homeschooling to my husband, it still felt scary and uncertain. I wasn’t sure I was ready to leave behind the career I had worked so hard for.

But now, in this season of homeschooling Luci, I see how God is redeeming that dream. “Teaching” looks so different now—it’s no longer in a classroom with lesson plans and test scores, but it’s just as meaningful. Every day, I get to pour into Luci’s heart and mind, helping her learn and grow in a way I never imagined.

More importantly, homeschooling has given me the ability to pour truth and Jesus into Luci’s life in ways she wouldn’t have received if she were in the public school system while I continued my career. While I loved teaching in the classroom, I couldn’t teach about Jesus or help my students grow spiritually. But with Luci, every subject we cover comes with opportunities to talk about God’s Word, His creation, and His truth.

God didn’t take my passion for teaching away; He simply reshaped it into something even better.

Lessons on Faith and Letting Go

The story of Elizabeth and Zechariah has taught me so much about faith—especially in the moments when God’s plans don’t line up with mine. Here are a few lessons I’m holding onto:

1. Letting Go of Control is Hard but Necessary: Like Zechariah, I’ve realized that my need for control often gets in the way of trusting God. True faith requires surrender—letting go of what I want and trusting that God’s plan is better.

2. God’s Plans are Bigger Than Ours: Elizabeth’s response reminds me that God is always working in ways we can’t see. Even when His plans feel overwhelming or unexpected, we can trust that He’s working for our good.

3. Faith is a Journey: Zechariah’s story shows us that even when we struggle, God doesn’t give up on us. He gives us the time and space we need to grow, just like He did for Zechariah during his time of silence.

4. God Redeems Our Dreams: Letting go of my teaching career wasn’t easy, but God has shown me that He doesn’t waste anything. He’s using my love for teaching in new and beautiful ways as I homeschool Luci.

5. God Works in the Details: Elizabeth’s quiet faith inspires me to trust that God is working in the little things. I may not see the full picture yet, but I know He’s using this season of homeschooling for a purpose—not just for me, but for Luci too.

   
   

Faith in Action

When I think about Elizabeth and Zechariah, I see myself in both of them. There are moments when I respond to God like Elizabeth—with quiet trust and gratitude. And there are times when I hesitate like Zechariah, clinging to my own plans and struggling to let go.

But the beautiful thing about their story—and mine—is that God is faithful no matter how we respond. He meets us in our doubts, our questions, and our need for control, and He patiently invites us to trust Him more.

This season of homeschooling has stretched my faith in ways I never expected. It’s been hard to let go of my childhood dream of being a teacher, but I’m learning—slowly but surely—to trust that God’s plans are always better.

Wherever you are in your faith journey, whether you’re responding like Elizabeth or wrestling like Zechariah, know this: God is working in your story. He’s faithful in the big moments and the small details, and His plans are always good.

What is God asking you to trust Him with today? Are you responding with quiet faith like Elizabeth or with hesitation like Zechariah? I encourage you to pause and offer up a prayer for God to help direct your heart.