Luke 1:18-19

New International Version

Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”

The angel said to him, “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.

For Encouragement

Their desired to cradle a baby, to look into its eyes, and to praise the Lord for His blessing. Now Zachariah and Elizabeth were old and past the age of bearing children. Their hope seemed to have faded, but they remained steadfast in serving the Lord. One day, as the congregation prayed outside, the old priest stepped into his office to burn incense in the temple. And then, unexpectedly, something miraculous happened.

An angel of the Lord, a divine messenger, stood by the right side of the altar. Startled, Zachariah stepped back in fear, for it was a rare and awe-inspiring sight.

But the angel said to him: Do not be afraid, Zachariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear a son, and you will call him John (Lk. 1:13).

God has heard your prayer! Amazing!

How long and desperately did that old couple wrestle in prayer and persevere through their disappointments? Now, when all hope had gone with the wind, divine favor surprised them. Can you relate?

However, joy does not fill the old priest’s heart as one would expect. Instead, doubt overshadowed the refreshing news the angel brought. Zechariah did not remember the example of Abraham and Sarah. His old ears had dulled to the blessing Israel had waited for so long—the Promised Messiah, which likely filled the prayers of the worshippers outside. It was the breaking out of this blessing the angel came to announce to Zechariah.

God had held back the response to Zachariah and Elizabeth’s prayers for this unique time. The promised son would fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah 40:3-5 as the forerunner of the Messiah. It was a privilege worth the wait. However, Zechariah doubted. He looked at himself and Elizabeth, their ages, and body physiological conditions, and considered it impossible.

Zechariah asked the angel; How can I be sure of this? I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years (Lk. 1:18).

Do you sometimes feel that way, even when God gives you all the evidence about His promises?

Your Spirit-led prayers are not about you, my friend. God has a higher purpose for every prayer He puts on His children’s hearts, and He answers each one in the fullness of time. Search through the pages of scriptures and apprehend this truth (Gen. 21:1-7; 25:21-35:16-18; Exod. 2:1:4; Ruth 4:13-17; 1 Sam. 1:10-20; Lk. 2:1-12).  

It is all about His sovereign rule, absolute authority and control, the affairs of His people, and His agenda for this world. His peace will settle those who trust Him and have their thoughts fixed on Him. (Isa. 26:3).

So, look to Him and let your face radiate His glory (Psa. 34:5), content with your lot until by His sovereignty, He moves on your behalf in His time. Amen!