The angel came to Zechariah with a word from the Lord.  Zechariah would have a son who would prepare the way for the Messiah.  His prayers for a child and the coming Messiah would be answered.

But Zechariah refused to believe.  “I’m too old!  My wife is too old!  How could we have a child?”  And Zechariah is struck dumb because of his unbelief.  He refused to believe God’s word that his prayers were answered and that the Messiah was coming.

What about us?  Do we believe?

When we pray, do we pray believing that God will answer our prayers.  Do we pray believing he can answer our prayers?  He may choose to answer in ways unforseen to us, but do we believe he will and can answer prayer?  Are we surprised when he does?  Are we praying with faith or just mouthing unbelieving words?

When the Word of the Lord comes to us, do we believe what it says?  Do we believe that the commands in Scripture are God’s words to us that we should obey?  Do we believe the many promises of God that we find in his Word?  “I am with you always.”  “God is our refuge and strength.”  “My grace is sufficient for you.”  Do we come to the Word with faith or do we just come?

When the Scriptures promise that Jesus is coming back, do we believe that he is really coming?  Do we believe it could be today?  Do our lives reflect this belief, or do our lives reflect disbelief in his return?

It is easy to put Zechariah down for his unbelief, but don’t we at times struggle in the same way?

Father, help us to grow in our faith!

(From Luke 1)