My Revelation:
Luke opens up his Gospel with a story of two people being visited by the same angel (Gabriel), on separate occasions, both with a similar Promise of a future child in a seemingly impossible situation. But although both Promises were Fulfilled, one person suffered some consequences during the waiting period... so I asked God "why?" The answer was in their Response.
The first appearance of the angel Gabriel was to a man named Zechariah with a vision that his wife would bear a son (John the Baptist). Zechariah's response to the angel was "by what shall I know and be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years. (verse 18 AMP)" He left that encounter with with a curse - being prevented from speaking until the day his son would be born.
The second appearance of Gabriel was with Mary, with a vision that she would bear a son (Jesus). Her response was "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" (verse 34 NIV) Mary walked away with revelation of God's plan to fulfill His Promise.
So how can WE be like Mary? Waiting for our miracle under a Blessing rather than a Curse, and even more, walk in Confidence because we have received revelation as to HOW God will carry out His Promise? At first glance, their two Responses don't seem all that different.
- Both initially reacted in Fear. - It's natural for us to ask the "what ifs" because when God gives a Vision, it's so big you're not really sure you are up for the job.
- Both stated the obvious Obstacles. - Because God will do that, He'll give you a Vision of something that seems absolutely impossible and utterly ridiculous given the current circumstances. As a matter of fact, if it doesn't seem crazy - then it might not be from God.
The difference lies in a matter of FAITH. Zechariah in effect said, "give me a sign so that I can be sure you're able to do it", whereas Mary said, "I believe you Lord, so tell me, How are you going to do it? 'cause you know I'm not having sex, right?". I think that's what Faith is - Acknowledgement of God's Greatness in the Awareness of Contradiction. Mary didn't deny the problems, she just didn't dwell on them. So let's choose to operate in Faith today, if God has given you a Promise that seems impossible - just ask God, How? Maybe, just maybe - He'll tell you.
