by Ebonie Royal
The Word:
"But the angel said, "I am Gabriel, the sentinel of God, sent especially to bring you this glad news. But because you won't believe me, you will be unable to say a word until the birth of your son." – Luke 1:19-20 (The Message)
The Story:
An angel of the Lord came to Zachariah and explained that his prayers had been answered and that his wife, Elizabeth, would bear a son. Zachariah did not believe the angel. The angel told Zachariah that what he had spoken would come to pass, but because of his disbelief he would be unable to speak until his son was born.
The Reflection:
God wants us to pray without ceasing. He wants our hearts in tune with what He wants to do for us or through us. Zachariah, at first, did not believe the angel of the Lord. He was looking at earthly circumstances and forgot that God, who is infinite, can work miracles. God is outside of human reasoning and outside of time.
When I read this passage, I was reminded of the times it seemed as if God had not answered my prayers. There is a saying that says, "Delay doesn't mean denied.” God works out His plan according to His timing, not ours. God blessed Zachariah with a son when it was time.
The Application:
What is the Lord telling you that you are unable to believe or trust? Try writing down your prayer requests in a journal. When God responds, write how He responded next to the prayer request. This will give you the opportunity to see God at work in your life.
The Prayer:
Lord, I pray that you increase our faith and trust in you so that we may continuously take you at your word. Help us to know that all things are possible for those that believe, and please give us the patience to wait on you. Amen.
