Faith! Sometimes our faith is tested just as God tested Zechariah’s. Although Zechariah was a priest and a righteous man, he was skeptical when the angel of the Lord appeared before him and told him God was going to bless him and Elizabeth with a baby, named John. Elizabeth was beyond childbearing age and she and Zechariah had been married for years without conceiving a child.
As saved Christians, our faith may become weak when we are tested by God. We frequently forget that everything is according to God’s plan and in His time. If we pray without ceasing and fully open our hearts to God, He will strengthen our faith!
Zechariah and Elizabeth were blessed beyond measure to be able to bear John, the Baptist, who would “pave the way” for the coming of Jesus, the Messiah, Savior of the world. John’s ministry was paramount in God’s plan for the salvation of the world through His Son.
I believe that in the times when our faith is small as the mustard seed, God can and will restore it to tremendous heights if we just allow Him to. God is loving, gracious and merciful to us even when our faith wavers. During this season of Advent as we celebrate the birth and life of Jesus, may the strength and magnitude of our faith continue ever stronger throughout the coming year.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for Your grace and mercy. Thank you for your constant presence, and for restoring and growing our faith. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Submitted by: Vickie Wade