Engaging God in Conversation
Consider:
After the initial shock and awe of God sending an angel to speak on His behalf, Mary and Zechariah responded again almost identically.
Zechariah
Read Luke 1:18. What was Zechariah’s verbal response to the angel of the Lord?
Mary
Read Luke 1:34. What was Mary’s verbal response to the angel Gabriel?
Explore:
After listening to the angel’s miraculous news for both Zechariah and Mary, they both asked essentially the same question!
Zechariah
Zechariah asks because he lacks trust in God’s plan for his life, a plan he had actually prayed would happen.
Read Luke 1:19. How does the angel respond to Zechariah’s question?
Mary
Mary asks because her circumstances don’t seem conducive to the plan laid out before her by the angel Gabriel.
Read Luke 1:35-37. How does the angel respond to Mary’s question?
What about you? Is God asking you to step out in faith this season? Are you ready for Him to do the miraculous in your own prayer requests or for the work of His Kingdom? What, specifically, do you think He is currently calling you to do, if anything?
Do you trust Him to unfold even the seemingly impossible? Do you trust He can handle all of the details of your situation?
Pray:
Engage in a conversation with God. Ask Him your questions about a seemingly impossible situation or ministry. Allow Him to speak to You as you lean in with an intentionally curious heart. Be patient and continue to engage in a conversation, asking and waiting, asking and waiting. He will answer!
I am really enjoying your devotions each morning. The length is perfect for my morning devotion time! Thank you for following God’s plan for you to reach us!
Zacharias’s name means remembered of Jehovah. It seems like Z had given up on his prayers and dreams because he lacked belief when the angel talked to him. If the dream had been alive in his heart he would have responded differently. I love how our Father remembers our dreams even when we forget.
I am struck by the contrast in Z after John is born. In Luke 1:74 he speaks a word over us and says that we…”Might serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.” He started out in fear when the angels spoke to him but after his months of silence he realized he could trust God’s plans without fear. May we allow our brother Z’s words to propel us in greater trust and service this season.
Thank you, Mary! Your intentional time with God is honored, keep it up!
Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, stir up and awaken dreams and ministry in us. Remind us of dead dreams that you want awakened again. Holy Spirit fill us with faith that we step out to serve without fear in holiness and righteousness in our days.
In Jesus name so be it.
Amen! Thank you, Kim!