Luke 1:18-25
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
If you haven’t read Luke 1:8-17, do so now. Then read today’s passage, Luke 1:18-25, taking note of anything that stands out to you.
Faith is not the absence of fear, but given free rein, fear will eventually swallow any trace of faith. Zechariah’s fear of that which is beyond his understanding causes him to ask for a guarantee even though the Angel Gabriel has already spoken clearly of what God intends to do. Sometimes silence is a better choice than words.
God is patient with our doubts and questions, but there comes a point when we know we have heard from God, and at that point we must simply trust and stop seeking signs. When God has been clear, the only way forward is obedience.
Get quiet for a moment and consider whether there is something God has clearly called you to do that you have yet to act on. What is holding you back? Talk openly with Jesus about this.
Read Luke 1:18-25 again with this in mind.
Zechariah is about to have an extended silent retreat in which he will spend several months thinking about faith and obedience. And as he quietly watches God’s promise unfold in the body of his slightly more than middle-aged wife, his faith will expand along with her belly.
Silence is a powerful spiritual practice because in the absence of words we make space for God to speak to us in transformational and healing ways. But for many of us, silence is difficult. In a world full of noise, information, and distractions it can be hard to step back and make space for stillness. The practice of silence takes practice.
For the rest of your time of meditation today, get quiet and begin noticing your breath. Receive each breath as a gift from God. Don’t try to make anything happen during this time; just be silent and let God move and speak as God wills.
What might Jesus be inviting you to do or do differently today?
Will you?
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
