How Can I Be Sure?

"Zechariah asked the angel, 'How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.' The angel answered, 'I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.'" Luke 1: 18-19

This can't be Zechariah's proudest moment. You've met an angel of the Lord, he's brought you a message from God, and you wonder if you can be sure of what he is saying? 

Not many of us have confronted an angel face to face, but how many of us react to God in this same way when He tries to speak to us. Do we trust Him? Do we believe He can do what He says He can do?

I think it is interesting that God picked this couple to give such a big job to. You would think that the priests would know God better than anyone. But Zechariah is a perfect example of God showing his strength through the weak and the broken.  God knew Zechariah would doubt Him, but he chose him anyway. That encourages my heart. What about you?

With the kids: Try playing a little game with "Who Can?" questions....like... Who can do the laundry? ? (kids will probably say "Mommy!"  Who can pick up toys? I can! Who can fix a flat tire? Daddy can!, etc...then throw in some that are outrageous, like...Who can hold the whole entire world on his shoulders?  God can!! Who can make a hurricane turn its course?  God can!! etc.