Zechariah is speechless

While Zechariah was busy in the Temple, the angel Gabriel appeared to him and told him that his wife would have a son. But because Zechariah was old and his wife could not have children, he doubted the angel’s words.

Then the angel said to him, “Because you have not believed what I have told you, you shall not be able to speak until this promise comes true.”

The people outside the Temple were wondering why Zechariah was taking so long. When he eventually came out, he could not speak, so he made signs with his hands to explain what had happened to him.

What is faith?

How would you have felt if you were Zechariah—having exciting news to share, yet not being able to speak?

Zechariah had been praying for a son for a long time. Now that God was finally going to answer his prayer, Zechariah doubted that it could really happen, even though an angel had given him the good news. What had happened to his faith? Zechariah may have been praying the same prayer year after year, but he had lost hope and no longer expected God to answer.

When we keep praying about something that seems impossible, we show that we are still trusting God. True faith keeps hoping! Faith in God means trusting and depending on the Lord completely: believing in His power, and relying on His faithfulness. The Bible puts it this way: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1).

Have you wanted to ask God for something, but because it seems impossible, you have never prayed about it? Or have you prayed, but not really expected an answer? Ask God, and trust Him with the answer. If it pleases Him to give you what you have asked for, He will answer your prayer at the right time.

Verse for today

But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. James 1:6

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