Zechariah / Questioning God - Luke 1

Have you ever been asked to believe something that’s simply beyond belief? A situation that forces you to stretch way past what your senses can comprehend?

Think about the shock when Zechariah heard the angel Gabriel proclaim: “Your prayer has been heard.” [Luke 1:18] Prayer? What prayer? He had prayed like crazy while Elizabeth [his wife] was of childbearing age. For forty years or so he had prayed. But there comes a time when you must resign yourself to face the facts.

Did you ever wonder how long God had been sitting on those prayers? God had been saving that prayer request - - waiting for just the right time to answer it. If He had answered it any sooner, folks would not have paid attention. But this way – it was all about God.

It is the doubt and Zechariah’s questioning of God that should cause us to ponder momentary lapses of faith. You would think that the presence of an angel and the announcement of God’s promise would encourage Zechariah’s faith, but they didn’t. Instead of looking to God in faith, Zechariah decided the birth of a son was impossible. Why would he doubt God? Why do we sometimes doubt God? What God promises, he delivers! What He has said in His Word will always come true at the right time! Did he think that physical limitations would hinder Almighty God?

But before we criticize Zechariah too much, do we have confidence in what God can do for us? Do we trust in His promises? It is amazing that so many can be filled with unbelief, so immersed in the secular, scientific world-view, that they are unable to believe that God can work a miracle. Perhaps, we should recall what the prophet Jeremiah proclaimed [Jeremiah 32:17]: “There is nothing too hard for the Lord.”

We are disciples on a journey with Jesus. We have some faith slumps and some pretty rough edges. But as we walk with Jesus, He is refining and honing us to be worthy disciples. Remember that you are a representative of God here on earth. Can anything possibly give you more confidence than that? God has entrusted you to be His ambassador to the environment in which you work and live. Put aside doubt. Act with the authority that only a representative of God can command.

Lord,

Forgive us for our incidents of unbelief. Replace the suspicion and our hesitancy to step out on Your promises - with a special boldness and assurance. Amen.

I love you!

Stay faithful and finish strong,
dale