Embracing Doubt: Finding Faith in Silence

 

Summary

In today's reflection on the Gospel of Luke, we delve into the story of Zechariah, a priest who, despite his faithful service, finds himself and his wife Elizabeth childless and of low status due to their infertility. The Advent season, however, is a time when God turns the world upside down, elevating the lowly and bringing hope where there was none. The angel Gabriel visits Zechariah with the astonishing news that he and Elizabeth will have a son who will prepare people for God. Yet, Zechariah is filled with doubt, questioning how this could be possible given their old age.

This narrative invites us to consider the nature of doubt and belief. Even when faced with divine intervention, Zechariah struggles to believe, illustrating that faith is not about forcing oneself to believe the impossible. Instead, it is about using the mind God has given us to seek truth. Doubt is not something to be eradicated through sheer willpower; rather, it is an opportunity to explore what we truly want to believe and to bring those desires before God.

Gabriel's response to Zechariah's doubt is not necessarily a punishment but perhaps a gift. In his silence and stillness, Zechariah is given the space to reflect deeply on God's word and the unfolding of His plan. This period of silence becomes a transformative time for Zechariah, allowing him to immerse himself in God's promises and prepare for his new role as a father to a child who will be a joy and delight.

As we reflect on Zechariah's journey, we are reminded of the importance of stillness and listening for God's voice in our own lives. In moments of doubt, uncertainty, or disappointment, we are encouraged to bring these before God, to be still, and to listen for His guidance and encouragement. The story of Zechariah is a powerful reminder that even in silence, God is at work, bringing about His redemptive plan and inviting us to participate in it with faith and hope.

Key Takeaways:

- The Upside-Down Kingdom: The Advent season reminds us that God often elevates the lowly and brings hope to the hopeless. Zechariah and Elizabeth's story is a testament to God's ability to turn societal norms upside down, offering us a glimpse of His redemptive plan. [01:19]

- The Nature of Doubt: Doubt is a natural part of the human experience, even in the presence of divine intervention. Zechariah's story teaches us that faith is not about forcing belief but about seeking truth with the mind God has given us. [03:55]

- The Gift of Silence: Gabriel's response to Zechariah's doubt may not be a punishment but a gift, providing him with the opportunity to reflect deeply on God's promises. In our own lives, silence can be a space for transformation and preparation for what God has in store. [07:41]

- Reflecting on Belief: We are encouraged to examine what we truly want to believe and to bring those desires before God. This introspection can lead to a deeper understanding of our faith and a more authentic relationship with God. [06:53]

- The Power of Stillness: In moments of doubt or uncertainty, we are invited to be still and listen for God's voice. Zechariah's story reminds us that even in silence, God is at work, guiding us and inviting us to participate in His redemptive plan. [11:11]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:07] - Zechariah's Low Status
- [01:19] - God's Upside-Down Kingdom
- [01:34] - Gabriel's Announcement
- [01:49] - Zechariah's Doubt
- [02:04] - Zechariah's Silence
- [02:20] - Elizabeth's Pregnancy
- [03:09] - The Nature of Doubt
- [03:55] - Misconceptions About Faith
- [05:10] - The Mind and Belief
- [06:53] - Reflecting on Belief
- [07:41] - The Gift of Silence
- [08:24] - Signs and Faith
- [09:12] - Zechariah's Transformation
- [10:37] - The Power of Stillness

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Luke 1:5-25: The story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, the announcement by the angel Gabriel, and Zechariah's subsequent silence.

#### Observation Questions
1. What was Zechariah's initial reaction to the angel Gabriel's announcement about the birth of his son? How did Gabriel respond to Zechariah's doubt? [01:49]
2. How did Zechariah's status in society change as a result of the angel's message, and what does this tell us about God's kingdom? [01:19]
3. What role did silence play in Zechariah's transformation, and how did it prepare him for his new role as a father? [09:12]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Zechariah's doubt reflect the human experience of faith and belief, even in the presence of divine intervention? [03:09]
2. In what ways might Gabriel's response to Zechariah's doubt be seen as a gift rather than a punishment? [07:41]
3. How does the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth illustrate the concept of God's "upside-down kingdom"? [01:19]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced doubt in your faith. How did you handle it, and what might you do differently after hearing Zechariah's story? [03:09]
2. Zechariah's period of silence allowed him to reflect deeply on God's promises. How can you incorporate moments of stillness into your daily routine to listen for God's voice? [09:12]
3. Consider the societal norms that God might be calling you to challenge or overturn in your own life. How can you be an agent of change in your community? [01:19]
4. What are some desires or beliefs you hold that you need to bring before God for reflection and guidance? How can this introspection lead to a deeper understanding of your faith? [06:53]
5. In what ways can you prepare yourself for the roles and responsibilities God has in store for you, much like Zechariah prepared for fatherhood? [09:12]
6. How can you support others in your community who may feel "lowly" or marginalized, reflecting God's heart for elevating the lowly? [01:19]
7. Identify a specific area of your life where you need to be still and listen for God's guidance. What steps will you take this week to create space for that stillness? [11:11]

Devotional

Day 1: The Upside-Down Kingdom
In the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, we see a powerful example of how God often works in unexpected ways, turning societal norms on their head. Despite their low status and childlessness, God chooses them to be the parents of John the Baptist, who will prepare the way for Jesus. This narrative reminds us that God elevates the lowly and brings hope to the hopeless, especially during the Advent season. It challenges us to look beyond societal expectations and recognize the ways in which God is working in our lives to bring about His redemptive plan. [01:19]

"He has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty." (Luke 1:52-53, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel overlooked or undervalued? How might God be using these situations to bring about His purposes in unexpected ways?


Day 2: The Nature of Doubt
Zechariah's story illustrates that doubt is a natural part of the human experience, even in the presence of divine intervention. When Gabriel announces that Zechariah and Elizabeth will have a son, Zechariah questions how this could be possible given their old age. This moment teaches us that faith is not about forcing belief but about seeking truth with the mind God has given us. Doubt can be an opportunity to explore our beliefs and bring our desires before God, allowing us to grow in our understanding and relationship with Him. [03:55]

"Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, 'I believe; help my unbelief!'" (Mark 9:24, ESV)

Reflection: What doubts are you currently facing in your faith journey? How can you bring these doubts before God and seek His guidance in understanding them?


Day 3: The Gift of Silence
Gabriel's response to Zechariah's doubt is not necessarily a punishment but perhaps a gift. In his silence and stillness, Zechariah is given the space to reflect deeply on God's word and the unfolding of His plan. This period of silence becomes a transformative time for Zechariah, allowing him to immerse himself in God's promises and prepare for his new role as a father. In our own lives, silence can be a space for transformation and preparation for what God has in store. [07:41]

"For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him." (Psalm 62:5, ESV)

Reflection: How can you create moments of silence in your daily routine to listen for God's voice and reflect on His promises?


Day 4: Reflecting on Belief
Zechariah's journey encourages us to examine what we truly want to believe and to bring those desires before God. This introspection can lead to a deeper understanding of our faith and a more authentic relationship with God. By reflecting on our beliefs, we can identify areas where we may need to grow or change, allowing us to align our lives more closely with God's will. [06:53]

"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV)

Reflection: What beliefs or desires do you need to bring before God for examination? How can this process help you grow in your faith?


Day 5: The Power of Stillness
In moments of doubt or uncertainty, we are invited to be still and listen for God's voice. Zechariah's story reminds us that even in silence, God is at work, guiding us and inviting us to participate in His redemptive plan. By embracing stillness, we can become more attuned to God's presence and open to His guidance, allowing us to respond to His call with faith and hope. [11:11]

"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" (Psalm 46:10, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate moments of stillness into your life to better hear God's voice and discern His guidance?

Quotes


today so this is from the Gospel of Luke chapter 1 the angel Gabriel has come from God to talk to a man named Zechariah Zechariah and his wife are old very old he's priest but they have no children they're infertile and uh that would mean that they were very low status they were lowly regarded in that world and yet part of what's happening in the Advent season is God is turning things upside down and he's elevating the lowly and he does that here and he says to Zechariah oh you will give birth to a son it'll be a joy and a delight and prepare people for God [00:53:04]

Zechariah asked the angel how can I be sure of this I'm an old man and my wife is well along in yours the angel said to him I'm Gabriel I stand in the presence of God I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news and now you'll 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 [00:88:45]

now uh at times we'll think uh if I have that problem if I got doubts I should just stop doubting I should just try harder to believe but that is not a good idea um that is a very destructive way to approach the notion of belief because you cannot believe something simply by trying really hard to believe it [00:239:52]

people sometimes think that faith is believing things that you know are impossible or not very likely that is not the case at all God gave you a mind to be able to discern truth God loves Truth Bible says that when Jesus came he was full of grace and truth and we had to use our minds to try to seek and pursue truth and that's a really good thing [00:322:41]

never deal with doubt by saying I got to try harder to have more faith in God to believe I'm going to get this answer to prayer to believe that this circumstance is going to turn out this way no no no the mind is a precious gift by God and it does not operate by Will willpower now I can use will to commit myself and that's a real good thing to seek to obey God to surrender God but never to try to get rid of Doubt or make myself believe [00:347:38]

actually a really good question to ask yourself is what do I want to believe um it's a strange truth about the Mind as a general rule the mind will find a way to allow you to believe what it is that your will want you to believe [00:375:14]

people sometimes think that Gabriel is punishing Zechariah here for his lack of faith and that may be so although Gabriel never says that it's quite interesting many places in the Old Testament people will ask for a sign because they have doubts God tells uh Gideon to take on the midianites and uh he asked for a sign and his offering is consumed by fire and then he asked for another sign about the fleece and The Dewy or dry ground and then ask God to re to reverse it God does all that stuff [00:458:26]

Moses says what if I do what you're saying go to the people and it don't believe me and God gives him a sign with a staff um very prominently Abraham when he's told he's going to have a son in Genesis 15 how can I know that this is true and God gives him a sign uh it's altogether possible that what Gabriel is doing here is he's doing Zachariah a wonderful favor [00:488:57]

what's striking with Zechariah when you stop and think about it now is not what he doesn't do what he can't do he can't talk he can't hear that's true what's striking is what he will do he will know immerse himself in God's word to him and replay the message of Gabriel over and over and over in his mind [00:525:57]

we're told um when his time of service was complete he returned home so he continues on in the temple in his Priestly service for some time and he's just marinating and what is it that God is doing and how do I connect that with everything I know from the Old Testament and now I'm going to have a new role now I'm going to have a new task now I'm going to have a new child and he is to be a joy and a delight and he's to be filled with the Holy Spirit [00:549:55]

today remember the song of Zechariah and uh every once in a while as you go through this stage just take a moment to be still they uh have an old colloquialism in the South when somebody is deeply surprised well shut my mouth and that's God's gift to Zechariah and maybe to me today and maybe to you today be still right now do you have doubts questions just bring them to God be still [00:643:55]

are you uncertain what you really believe ask yourself what do I want to believe and then bring that to God do you have a disappointment like Zechariah did bring that to God do you have any Joy today today every once in a while just stop and shut your mouth you and me and let us look for god let's allow the word of God the promise of God Joy Delight rejoicing good news God With Us God is connected to me God will be connected with me through through my mind God will bring thoughts guidance encouragement support love hope Direction but I got to listen today's day to connect be still [00:678:26]

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Transcript
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