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“But behold, you (Zacharias) will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my (Gabriel) words which will be fulfilled in their own time.”  Luke 1:20b(ESV)

A woman’s life was definitely different in Biblical times especially when it came to motherhood. If a woman couldn’t bear children, it was considered the most severe punishment. To experience the utter reproach of barrenness when others’ arms were full was excruciating.  But with God nothing is impossible. Throughout the pages of the Old Testament scriptures, we see how God divinely intervened in the lives of Sarah, Rachel and Hannah. Barren women who God graciously birthed forth nations and strong leaders at precisely the right moment.

Fast forward to Luke 1 and we witness the promise of a son to Zacharias and Elizabeth in their old age. Years of empty arms. Long days watching other children play.  Dreams shattered year after year. Prayers answered with a resounding no.

Despite their disappointments and the reproach Elizabeth experienced, Zacharias and his wife remained righteous – living rightly before God. Obeying His commands blamelessly without even a hint of the miracle awaiting them.

Sweet friends don’t you just love the way our God loves to fulfill the desires of our heart and unveil His plans even in the face of certain impossibilities? Putting His divine redemption story into motion, God sent Gabriel to visit Zacharias at the temple. A baby was on the way for these faithful seniors and the sudden, unexpected news from God caught Zacharias wondering. Logic ushered in doubts as disbelief questioned Gabriel’s words.

I’m sure Zacharias would have loved to shout to the rooftops, “I’m going to be a Daddy – we’re having a baby.”  I can envision him running down the streets, laughter and tears intermingled. But instead, his disbelief landed him speechless unable to celebrate fully the miracle unfolding before his eyes.

Wow haven’t we all landed there? We pray. We hope. We trust. And when God answers, we allow our human reasoning to convince us His plan is too good to be true. Our perceived reality trumps divine intervention, and we find ourselves afraid to believe God’s words. What a regret filled place to land. We cultivate limitless questions and scenarios rather than cling to His words.  We miss out on the joyful anticipation of watching Him work.

Blessed to be reminded of God’s opening of Zacharias’ mouth the very moment he wrote down the baby’s name – John. His son was the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy -the one who would prepare the way for The Messiah. The one who would draw men’s hearts to God. The one who would be lifted up and chose to decrease in the presence of His Savior. Only God could conceive of such a marvelous plan.

Where do we land this holiday season? Are we filled with endless questions and doubts which rob us of the joy and peace found only in Jesus? Perhaps we find ourselves wondering in the silence – confused by our perceived reality of life. We, too, sweet friends can trust all of our impossibilities to the One who simply asks that we believe – He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

“Father, You are the answer to all our questions – help us to simply believe and place our trust in You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life