An angel of the Lord appeared to a man named Zacharias. Zacharias was a priest who was married to a godly woman. He was also blameless, righteous, and active in ministry. Actually, when the angel appeared to him, Zacharias was serving in an extra-special capacity inside the temple.
This angel appeared and promised that the priest and his wife would have a child. His response? (Remember: he is a godly man who is married to a godly woman and engaged in a godly ministry.)
And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.” (Luke 1:18 NKJV)
Zacharias started off by questioning the promise of God and then followed his question up with the reason the messenger of the Lord could not have meant what he said. A question and an excuse. This reminds me of Gideon and Moses. Gideon was approached by an angel of the Lord and instructed to lead the children of Israel into battle. His response?
So he said to Him, “O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” (Judges 6:15 NKJV)
Moses is met by God Himself while wandering in the desert. From a burning bush God told Moses to go to Egypt and deliver the children of Israel from their slavery. His response?
But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11 NKJV)
God, in keeping with his nature, patiently explained to each of these men that He really did have a plan and purpose for them and that He was the one who would provide for their needs so that they could accomplish what He intended for them. Isn’t our God rich in mercy?
What is God telling you to do? Do you question Him? What is your excuse for not obeying?
—-
Can you think of any other Bible characters who showed a lack of faith at the start but were eventually used mightily by God?
With Wills 