Tuesday - Birth of John Foretold

Luke 1:19-20 (NIV)  The angel answered, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.  And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time." 

Just listen to the command, the strength in the words of Gabriel. "I stand in the presence of God." What a powerful and attention grabbing statement. Zechariah doubted.  He not only doubted the words Gabriel was sharing, it would seem he doubted the power of God and His ability to do anything.

This is a thrilling thought, that God can do anything.  We claim to believe, but do we truly believe?  My doubts fill page after page in my prayer journal. The comfort here is that God knows the limits of my faith, he understands my weaknesses. It is His faithfulness to me that helps me overcome my lack of faith.

I see how much He cares, how often He provides for me.  I am slowly coming to realize this and to relax and trust. It is sad to think of how many blessings I have missed because I did not believe God would handle a situation.  How many times have I gotten ahead of God?  How many times did God have such greater plans for me than my patience would wait for?

The season I am current in has taught me much about myself, but mostly about God. The next messenger God sends my way will not go unheard.  The next challenge or roadblock I encounter will be turned over to God.  He is the one who cares, the one who is able to clear the path before me. I am going to be watchful and attentive to His faithfulness.  I will not miss another blessing.

Luke 1:18-25