Daily Devotional for Thursday, December 4

Zacharias’ Shock

“And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him,” Luke 1:11, 12.

Ask anyone who has served God for a very long, and they will tell you, our God can be full of surprises! Just when you think you have Him figured out, He shows you something new, wonderful and terrifying all at once!

So it was for a man named Zachariah. Zachariah was busy about the work of God when suddenly his life was turned upside down! God was about to do an amazing work in his family, a work that would change them forever. Why was Zachariah so surprised? He was finding out that God many times has more planned for you than you have planned for yourself. What lessons may we learn from Zachariah’s experience?

First, God uses people who have proven themselves faithful. While Zachariah was shocked that God chose him and his family to bring John the Baptist into the world, God knew He could depend on Zachariah (Luke 1:6.) Secondly, do not disqualify yourself just because you are not as young as you used to be. Luke 1:7 tells us that Zachariah and Elisabeth were “well stricken in years.” Zachariah was probably shocked that God did not use someone younger. The wisdom and experience that comes with age are powerful in God’s hands. Next, it’s okay to be afraid. In verse 12, Zachariah was afraid when God’s messenger appeared to him. God may call you from your comfort zone and into circumstances where you feel you are in over your head. It is then that God will assure you of His presence and remind you that what is over your head is under His feet.

Lastly, if you struggle with doubt, do not feel bad. Zachariah had doubts as God’s wonderful plan was revealed to Him (verse 18). We all need time to comprehend God’s will for our lives.

CONSIDER THIS

Do not be shocked when God has big plans for you.

John Nations