Advent StudySample

Ironically, after hearing such marvelous news, Zechariah could not share it with anyone. He questioned Gabriel regarding the possibility of Elizabeth bearing a son, let alone such an anointed one. His underlying issue was unbelief, and his voice was silenced for nine months. You would think a man who was considered blameless and served faithfully in the temple would not grapple with such deep matters of the heart.

Romans 14:23b says, “For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.” As North Campus Pastor Connor Bales often asks, “Ouch? or Amen?” I usually reply, “BOTH!”

As someone who has walked with the Lord for more than 50 years, I can attest to God’s power, faithfulness, goodness, strength, and more. Even so, I’m reluctant to confess that, for many years, I struggled with intense fear and anxiety. This led to cycles of guilt and shame, repentance, trust, and faith, then right back to fear and anxiety. This time, only “Ouch!”

The angel’s news was a lot to take in and process. My response could easily have been similar to Zechariah’s emphatic question. This is because I would have been looking through the lens of my limited perspective rather than God’s omnipotence. American theologian R.C. Sproul states, “When God speaks, your only responsibility is to trust His word.” Our response must be this: “Ah, Lord God! You have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you” (Jeremiah 32:17).

Prayer: Admittedly I ask for your miracles, and though you provide them, I fall into unbelief. Lord, help my unbelief. Help me to exalt your Word over my circumstances. Amen