December 3rd, 2024
Let’s prayerfully read Luke chapter 1, verses 1 – 25 (repetition is a good exercise to deeply engage with the Word), giving special attention to vs.18 – 20.
PAUSE & CONSIDER: We have been where Zechariah was in his ‘crisis of faith.’ ‘Amen’ or “Oh me”? God’s heart is gladdened when we believe in Him and trust Him to do what only He can do (see Hebrews 11: 6); yet His heart is saddened when we doubt His promises, power, presence, and provisions.
MEDITATE on this Promise - 2 Timothy 2:13 – “If we are faithless, he remains faithful,
for he cannot deny himself.” Even though Zechariah was faithless, God remained faithful in fulfilling His promise of a son who would be the forerunner of the Messiah (John the Baptist).
Doubt is a normal part of a committed Christian faith. Not all the time, of course, but there are times we all experience which cause us to doubt – like Zechariah.
PRAYER PROMPT: Abba Father, I identify with Zechariah when he experienced a ‘crisis of faith’ to simply believe Your Word in the face of impossible situations. Today, I am facing the challenge of ____________________________________. I humbly confess with the one in Mark 9:24 – “Lord, I believe, but help my unbelief!” Please increase my faith in Your amazing faithfulness; may hope rise in my heart, for I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen!
- V.18 – What crisis of faith did Zechariah experience? ________________________ What ‘crisis of faith’ have you experienced in your journey as a follower of Christ? _______________________________
- Vs.19 – 20 – What was the outcome of Zechariah’s doubt in God’s promise?____________________________________
PAUSE & CONSIDER: We have been where Zechariah was in his ‘crisis of faith.’ ‘Amen’ or “Oh me”? God’s heart is gladdened when we believe in Him and trust Him to do what only He can do (see Hebrews 11: 6); yet His heart is saddened when we doubt His promises, power, presence, and provisions.
MEDITATE on this Promise - 2 Timothy 2:13 – “If we are faithless, he remains faithful,
for he cannot deny himself.” Even though Zechariah was faithless, God remained faithful in fulfilling His promise of a son who would be the forerunner of the Messiah (John the Baptist).
Doubt is a normal part of a committed Christian faith. Not all the time, of course, but there are times we all experience which cause us to doubt – like Zechariah.
PRAYER PROMPT: Abba Father, I identify with Zechariah when he experienced a ‘crisis of faith’ to simply believe Your Word in the face of impossible situations. Today, I am facing the challenge of ____________________________________. I humbly confess with the one in Mark 9:24 – “Lord, I believe, but help my unbelief!” Please increase my faith in Your amazing faithfulness; may hope rise in my heart, for I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen!
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