But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John, Luke 1:13.
Jesus had a forerunner, John the Baptist. John's father, Zacharias was a priest in the temple. The angel, Gabriel appeared to Zacharias to announce his son was coming, even though both parents were older.
Exciting news, right? A son is coming! However, Zacharias did not believe the angel. So he was mute during the Elizabeth's pregnancy as a consequence of not believing God's promise.
How many of us are feeling like Zacharias during the pandemic? We know that we prayed, yet nothing happened. There can be a sinking feeling inside. It reaches low in the pit of one's stomach.
Zacharias questioned how this birth event could happen, since he and his wife were "well advanced in years". The angel reconfirmed that it was a future reality. We may not feel like we are unbelieving...
Do not be afraid. Fear or anxiety carry torment. Ask God to give you fervent belief in His promises. "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love", I John 4:18. The angel gave the answer: "Your prayer is heard!"
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