Luke 1:19-22 (NIV)

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.” Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.

Reflection Questions

  1. What do you typically do when doubt or worry creeps into your heart? How can you bring those concerns to God in prayer?
  2. “Gratitude helps us wait better.” What are you thankful for today, and how does that shape your attitude during difficult times?
  3. Reflect on your life: what are some examples of God’s faithfulness that you can hold on to during seasons of waiting?

Devotion

Zechariah is met with unexpected news: despite his and Elizabeth’s old age, they will have a son. Zechariah’s response, however, is filled with doubt. As a result, the angel Gabriel silences him until the day the promise is fulfilled. This season of silence for Zechariah was not just about punishment but also about preparation—a time for reflection and learning to trust God’s faithfulness, even when doubt had taken root.

We all face moments when doubt or worry creeps into our hearts. In those times, it’s easy to feel lost or disconnected from God’s promises. But, like Zechariah, we can use these seasons of waiting as opportunities to reflect on God’s faithfulness. One powerful way to combat doubt is through gratitude. When we remember the ways God has been faithful in the past, it strengthens our trust in His timing for the future. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to the blessings we have received, helping us wait with patience and hope.

What are you thankful for today? As we move through the Advent season, this is a beautiful time to pause and consider the many ways God has shown up in your life. Gratitude helps us wait better because it reminds us that God is always at work, even in the waiting. Reflect on your life and recall moments when God has proven faithful. Just as Zechariah eventually witnessed God’s promise fulfilled, we too can trust that God is faithful in all His promises.