This Christmas -- I Believe God

 
Have you ever received a word from God? Not just the words received when you read and study the Bible. I mean a specific, just-for-you, kind of word from God.

I have. I'll share a little about that later on. For now, let's take a look at a story in the Bible of someone that had a bit of a problem believing what God had to say.

Luke begins his account of the birth of Jesus Christ with the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Elizabeth was a relative of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and her husband Zechariah was a priest. They had no children in their old age, because Elizabeth had been infertile their entire marriage.

One day, the angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah while he was burning incense in the temple of the Lord. Gabriel came with great news: Elizabeth would become pregnant with a son, a son that would be a joy to them and a great leader for God.

"Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God," proclaimed Gabriel. "And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah..."

So what do you think Zechariah said? "Oh messenger of the Lord, thank you for this great prophesy. Praise God for His favor!"

Not exactly. His lines read a little more like this:

"How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years."

Zechariah doubted the word of God. Instead of rejoicing in the message from God, he wallowed in disbelief. Even though we know the story ends well, with John being born to Elizabeth and becoming all Gabriel had promised he would, I have to think Zechariah regretted his response of doubt. And God gave him plenty of time to reflect and repent. For nine months, God struck Zechariah's tongue, making him mute until the birth of John.

Have you ever doubted God? I sure have. But I distinctly remember a time that I truly believed God's word to me. At that time I had suffered two miscarriages, and had already adopted my Christian. I had always wondered if I would have another biological child, even though we were planning to adopt again.

While reading the Bible one day, I read a scripture where God told Joseph (of the Old Testament) that He would give him a child from his own body. Suddenly, in my mind the words in my Bible looked like they were lifting off the page. I knew God was clearly speaking those words to me. That day I knew I would have another child from my own body.

I believed God. And a few years later, my little Jada was born on the eve of my birthday. What a sweet birthday gift she was.

I haven't always believed God with such conviction. But, oh the joy I experience when I do!

This Christmas holiday, let's commit to believing God. Let's believe His holy word -- the Bible. Let's believe His personal words to us. Let's believe Him when everyone around us rolls their eyes at our "foolish" faith. If we can believe that God came to earth as a little baby in a manger, surely we can believe Him for smaller miracles in our own lives.

After all, He's never broken a promise yet.

Before you go, I've posted a song by Martha Munizzi, "I Believe God". May it encourage you to always believe.



Believing God,

Carla

Comments

  1. Okay, I said bedtime but instead it's blog time. I had to click and read. I love this post. Yes, when I have the kind of faith you mentioned, it's the best feeling in the world ... diminishes all fear and I feel like I can do anything. And I can, with Him. How I wish I could live like that daily! Thank you for letting me know about your post - I need all the believing stories/encouragement I can get.

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  2. I need these stories too, Kim. Isn't it amazing how God encourages us as we write them? Thanks for visiting and commenting. Blessings to you my new Writing Sister-Friend!

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  3. Happy Birthday, Carla! Thanks for the passage about Elizabeth and Zechariah. Their human failings makes me feel more blesses because I know they struggled with their belief as I do. Thanks for sharing. Pat Lee

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  4. Carla, I have often remembered your story about God telling you you'd bear another child. It's so encouraging to know that God still speaks in our day and age and we have access to His throne of grace through Jesus Christ. :)

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  5. Thank you Carla! That was sooo good! The Lord has been dealing with me about my own disbelief in the last few days and it was like another confirmation. I love your wisdom! Thank you for sharing it with us!

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  6. Pat, thanks for the birthday wish! I love writing about the bible because it reminds me that these folks weren't just "biblical characters" but real flesh and blood people -- like us! Thanks for your comment.

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  7. Thanks Monique! Isn't amazing how real He really is - yesterday, today and forever?!

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  8. Thank you Aggie! We all struggle with disbelief at times. But life is so rich we we only believe!

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