Scripture:
“And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.” (Luke 1:11-13)
Reading:
Sometimes we carry a prayer for so long that it becomes a part of the background noise of our lives. A quiet longing we continually bring before God can begin to wear on us. We may start to believe more in the silence than in God’s desire to help.
This is where we find Zechariah. When an angel in all his glory appeared, Zechariah heard the words for which he had long hoped. “…your prayer has been heard…” (Luke 1:13) And still Zechariah simply could not believe it. His faith bowed to habit and fear which pulled his eyes toward his circumstances.
Yet even in his unbelief, God did not take back His promise. That is incredibly good news for us!
“God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” (Numbers 23:19)
This is who God is. Because of His great love, He is faithful even when our faith falters. He does not lie so His promises are certain. He does not change so His character is trustworthy. He is all-powerful so nothing is beyond His reach. Even Zechariah’s very name means “Jehovah has remembered,” a reminder to us of who God is.
Do you feel as though your constant prayer is beyond God’s intervention? Do you feel unseen or overlooked by God?
Do not let the weight of your circumstances outweigh the truth of God’s character. Let go of fear, and grab hold of God who holds all things. He is sovereign over your story, and He has not forgotten you.
Based on Zechariah’s history and many others throughout scripture, you can trust God’s faithfulness. And just like Zechariah, God’s answer may arrive in a way that surpasses anything you imagined!
Your Turn:
1. In what ways have you been tempted to look at your circumstances rather than God’s character when you pray?
2. How might your prayers change if you believe that God has remembered you just as He remembered Zechariah?
Prayer:
Father God, I cannot fathom an angel visiting, but You have revealed Yourself in many ways to me. I choose to trust Your goodness and love. Thank You for sending Your Son on my behalf. Thank You that You hear me when I pray and work all things for the good. I love You. Amen.