An Ember

Read

Luke 1:18 “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.’ The angel said to him, ‘I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.  And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.’”

Think

Life can be tough, and sometimes we find ourselves in a place of disappointment. Zechariah's story is something many of us can relate to. He and his wife, Elizabeth, had longed for a child but had lost hope over the years. When an angel promised them a son, Zechariah's initial reaction was disbelief. His hope had faded, leaving only a cold layer of skepticism.

But here's where the story takes an interesting turn. The angel silenced Zechariah, rendering him unable to speak for months. In that silence, something incredible happened. Zechariah had no choice but to listen, to open his heart to God. He watched in awe as his wife's belly grew, and he saw God fulfill his promise.

We believe that God may want to ignite hope in your heart this season, just as he did for Zechariah. The key? Embrace the quiet moments, let God's voice wash over your heart, and allow hope to rise within you. Take a few moments to sit with God and listen to his whispers.

Apply

In the stillness, let go of doubt and skepticism, and invite God to speak to your heart.

Pray

Lord, during our doubts and disappointments, we turn to you for hope and guidance. We recognize that, like Zechariah, our skepticism can sometimes cloud our vision. We long to hear your promises and to witness your faithfulness. In Jesus' name. Amen.