In Luke 1, we see two people – Zechariah and Mary – both visited by the same angel, both given a message from God, and both hearing something that seemed impossible.
And yet, their responses could not have been more different.
Zechariah responded with disbelief, and as a result, he was kept silent. Mary responded with faith – even though she still had questions.
Both knew God. But one struggled to believe what God was able to do, while the other trusted Him fully, even in the unknown.
Zechariah’s doubt may have come from years of disappointment. Perhaps he and Elizabeth had prayed for a child for so long that hope had become painful. Maybe he had endured setbacks, delays, and quiet heartbreak – until believing again felt too risky.
And this is something many of us can relate to.
Sometimes, it isn’t that we don’t believe in God – it’s that
Life has worn us down.
Waiting has made us weary.
Time has made the promise feel out of reach.
But Luke 1 reminds us of something powerful:
If God has spoken, it will come to pass.
One of the most striking parts of the story is that Zechariah wasn’t a stranger to faith. He was a priest – a man actively serving God. And yet, even he doubted.
His story is a sobering reminder that it’s possible to carry out the routines of faith, while privately struggling to trust God deeply.
In other words, we can be around the things of God, without truly believing God.
Zechariah became an unbelieving believer, while Mary remained a believing believer.
This Christmas season, the prayer is simple:
That you will read the Word of God for yourself – so you can know what God says for yourself. So you can hold onto His promises, and learn to take every fearful thought captive and bring it under Christ.
And if you find yourself wrestling with doubt, don’t run from God – run toward Him.
Ask Him to reveal more of who He is as you read His Word. Ask Him to strengthen your faith, so that in every season – good and not-so-good – you can respond with the same humble confidence Mary did:
“I am the Lord’s servant…
May Your word to me be fulfilled.”
~ Luke 1:38
Amen.
~ © Lovecame4u ~
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