What Will God Do Next?

Elizabeth Lynberg

And at once his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he began to speak in praise of God. Fear came on all those living around them; and all these matters were being talked about in all the hill country of Judea. All who heard them kept them in mind, saying, “What then will this child turn out to be?” For the hand of the Lord was certainly with him (Luke 1:64-66.).

There was silence for months. Long periods of waiting. Wondering and expectation.

There is so much that is awe-inspiring in this. Honestly, that’s what God does. He inspires awe and wonder. In fact, when Zechariah’s tongue is finally loosed, “he began to speak in praise of God.” He wanted all to know that God is faithful, even in the waiting, even in the silence. 

Just as Zechariah experienced a season of silence as he waited on God’s perfect timing, his perfect plan, so we all experience different seasons in life. Times of joy or abundance. Or times of sadness or mourning. Or times of transition. Perhaps the transition was a move to a new state, or becoming “empty-nesters,” or you have suffered the loss of a loved-one. 

During his season of silence, Zechariah had time to reflect, to overcome his doubt, and to find hope in God’s plan. Life may be different than we have planned. Different because old friends are no longer nearby, or the holidays are celebrated a little differently once the kids move away and get married. Things may be different than they were - but God remains the same and his mercies are new every morning. We can look ahead with great anticipation for what God has planned for us. 

As this calendar year comes to a close and we have the opportunity to look back, where do you see God’s fingerprints? Give him praise, thank him for showing himself faithful! Are there areas you need his assurance that he is with you? Tell him! “Cast your anxiety upon him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7).

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Resolution: Room for Silence

Bella Segnere

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 … Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God. All the neighbors were filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. (Luke 1:19-22, 64-65 NIV).

What is the most popular New Year’s resolution? I think many people strive to exercise more, or eat healthier, or travel the world. But all New Year’s resolutions have one thing in common, and that is the theme of self-benefit. While working out, eating healthier, and traveling more are not bad things, they all are designed to benefit you. What if there was a resolution that benefitted us, but also glorified God at the same time?

In this week’s passage, Zechariah learns from the angel Gabriel that after many years, his wife will finally become pregnant at an old age. The only catch is that Zechariah doesn’t quite believe the angel. So Gabriel tells Zechariah that he will be unable to speak until the promised son is born and named John, just as the angel has said. 

Was God giving Zechariah the “silent treatment?” Definitely not! Instead, I think Gabriel is teaching Zechariah a lesson about God’s promises. Silence is a way for people to reflect, whether it be upon their day, about God, or about other things. The same is true for Zechariah. Zechariah was a perfect example of how beautiful silence can be. When he was silent for nine months, he had plenty of time to reflect on God and His promises. Because he was silent, the Holy Spirit worked through Zechariah to the point of belief in a miracle. And not only was Zechariah able to believe in a miracle, I can only imagine that he was able to strengthen his faith with the Lord (which is the best thing that anyone could ever dream of!).

The same could be true for us. Silence can help us by allowing us to take a breath in this busy world, but it also gives us the perfect opportunity to worship our God and grow closer to Him!

As we enter the New Year, how can you resolve to add a little bit of silence into your day? You can pray, read the Bible, think about all of his many blessings, and strengthen your faith. Now that sounds like the perfect New Year’s resolution.