willing to believe - part 1

On this brief post we take a look at Luke 1 focusing on Zacharias' meeting with the angel Gabriel.

I believe this story is a great example of how we can be familiar with the stories of the Bible and even "believe" them while doubting that God could do something similar in our life. Zacharias was an experienced priest who undoubtedly was familiar with the Scriptures and longed for the coming of the Messiah. Yet when the angel Gabriel gave him the good news he doubted.

11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

18 And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.”

Luke 1:11-18 (NKJV)

Are we like Zecharias? Do we "believe" in God and the Bible while doubting its promises could be fulfilled in our lives? Do we believe in prophecy while doubting they could be fulfilled in our lifetime?

God wants to use you in a mighty way to save those around you, are you willing to be used?

Will you allow God to do in you life what He wants to do for the salvation of those around you?

These are good questions to ponder this holiday season.