Faith Amidst Doubt

Follow Along with the Message

Even in our doubts, God remains faithful to His word, and His plans may unfold in ways we least expect, this should sustain our faith amidst uncertainty.

Luke 1:37 (NLT)- “…For the word of God will never fail.”

There are four important truths that we can learn from Luke 1:

1. Faithful Service Amid

Luke 1:5–7 (NLT)-When Herod was king of Judea, there was a Jewish priest named Zechariah. He was a member of the priestly order of Abijah, and his wife, Elizabeth, was also from the priestly line of Aaron. Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations. They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old.

Genesis 11:30 (NLT)- But Sarai was unable to become pregnant and had no children.

Luke 1:8–10 (NLT)- One day Zechariah was serving God in the Temple, for his order was on duty that week. As was the custom of the priests, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. While the incense was being burned, a great crowd stood outside, praying.

2 Peter 3:8–9 (NLT)- But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.

2. God’s Promise

Luke 1:11–17 (NLT)- While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar. Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him. But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.”

Zechariah vs. Mary Encounter with the Angel

• Zechariah is “startled” | Mary is “troubled”
• Angel says “Don’t be afraid” to both Zechariah and Mary
• Zechariah “You are to call him John” | Mary “You are to call him Jesus”
• Zechariah “He will be great in the sight of the Lord” | Mary “He will be great”
• Zechariah “He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born” | Mary “The Holy Spirit will come on you”
• Zechariah “He will turn people back to God” | Mary “He will reign”
• Zechariah “How can I be sure…?” | Mary “How will this be…?”
• Angel’s response to: Zechariah “You did not believe my words” | Mary “Blessed is she who has believed”

3. Dealing with

Luke 1:18–20 (NLT)- Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.” Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.”