Silenced

Luke 1:18-20

“How can I know this?” Zechariah asked the angel. “For I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.” The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and tell you this good news. Now listen! You will become silent and unable to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”

Zechariah did more than just question the news of a son. He questioned the reliability and trustworthiness of the messenger, who was sent from God. Zechariah doubted God’s ability to deliver based upon his own physical limitations. In order to prevent Zechariah from speaking more doubt upon the promise, the angel silenced him until the birth.

Proverbs 18:21 instructs us that the power of life and death are in the tongue. God would not allow Zechariah to speak death through doubt over what He was doing. James 3:2 explains that farmers put bits in horses’ mouths in order to control their whole bodies. Gabriel in effect placed a bit in Zechariah’s mouth in order to bring him into full obedience to God’s word. If Zechariah, the priest with a powerful promise, was doubtful, those who heard his words of doubt would doubt, too. In order to increase Zechariah’s faith and to bring forth the promise, God silenced him.

Speak words of faith over your life, and don’t succumb to the temptation doubt brings your way. Stand upon the promises of God’s word, and know that He is working all things together for your good and His glory. If He has given you a promise, speak that promise in faith. I’ve been encouraged by a saying I’ve seen recently: “She believed she could, so she did.” Whether you believe you can or you can’t, you are correct. Speak faith over those things God has placed in your heart, and believe Him to do what seems impossible.

Have a blessed day!