This week marks the second anniversary of two important events in my life. On December 8th, I started my pastorate at Downsview Presbyterian Church. I felt that God had opened a door for me that I was not expecting, or even looking for. What is more amazing and it is difficult to believe that it was a coincidence is that on the same day, my son Samuel was conceived. For many parents, that is intriguing news, but for us was a prayer answered “late”. You need to know that our daughter, born 15 years earlier, was a miracle in itself. Doctors told us that we couldn’t have children. We prayed for a second miracle and three years ago we almost gave up hope that we will have another baby. We were planning what to do while our daughter was going to university.
A few weeks earlier I preached at a previous church a sermon based on the story of Zakaria listening to the news delivered by an angel. Luke tells us that the angel tells Zakariah: “your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son” (Luke 1:13). Zakariah didn’t believe his ears, and that cost him being mute for nine months.
When my wife woke me in the middle of the night (or later in early morning) telling me that she is pregnant, I told her “that’s great news” and went back to sleep. Although it was unbelievable, inside I was ready to believe that it was possible. I didn’t want to be unbelieving like Zakariah.
God did something for me and my family on December 8th, 2019, answering two prayers done differently and with different expectations, which I’m not fully aware of the impact that is going to have in the future for both my son and my work as the church’ pastor. But God does everything well in His timing.
In this Advent season, let us wait for His answers in faith, even when it looks late or impossible. Let us re-read His promises in the Scriptures and those we believe that God has spoken to us personally.
May this season be for you a season with unexpected answers from God.
Brother Endrit Journey 