Belief & Unbelief

Luke 1:8-18 & 26-38 Here are two people in the same chapter that received news from a messenger from God. Both were given humanly impossible promises. Both of them asked questions. One question was asked from a believing heart and the other from a heart filled with doubt. Both promises were fulfilled. Zechariah was older and wiser and a priest while Mary was a young inexperienced teen. Zechariah had been praying for a child, probably through most of his married life. More than likely Mary had thought of children that would come after her marriage to Joseph, but to pray for one at this point — probably not. Certainly, Zechariah should have been the one with the faith. When Gabriel told him that Elizabeth would have a baby he asked “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” Essentially, he was saying, “we’re much too old to have a baby. Don’t you realize that old people don’t have babies?” The same angel appeared to Mary about 6 months later and told her that she would give birth. Mary’s question was. “How will this be since I am a virgin?” She was merely saying, “I don’t understand, tell me more.” After the angel explained how God would accomplish it, her response was, “I am the Lord's servant, may it be to me as you have said.” She never said, "What will Joseph say? Or I could be stoned.” In Mark 9:17 A man brought his demon possessed son to Jesus, “...if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” Hebrews 11 is filled with people who heard from God and responded in faith. When God speaks to you from His Word; how will you respond? God can handle your questions. But ask from a position of belief, not doubt.