Don't Lose Faith

It is God’s desire that whatever hardships His children have to face during their journey on this side of eternity, they come through refined as gold. Our faith in the midst of storms is precious to God, and is the much needed example this world needs especially in these dark times. 1 Peter 1:7 “That your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ”. About Joseph it was written “until the time came that his word came to pass, the word of the Lord tested him” Psalm 105: 19. God has a specific plan for each of His children which is a part of His overall plan for the world, therefore He will always perform His word; if we retain the confidence we have in him till the end. This was the kind of understanding he expected to see in Zechariah when He sent His Angel with a blueprint of His divine plan. Zechariah whose name meant ‘God remembers’ or ‘to ponder on God’ was expected to have drawn wisdom and faith from his rich spiritual roots and the infallible word of God to prepare him for this divine visitation. But obviously he was not ready and was struck dumb for nine months until God’s word came to pass. This was not God’s perfect will for him.

          In contrast to this, Mary who was Jesus’ mother was visited by the same Angel just six months later, though she was not from the linage of priests, yet her response to the Angel shows the kind of heart that is well pleasing to God. From the foundation of the world God had chosen Zechariah for a divine purpose, which will test his patience, his love, faith and expectation. If not for grace he would have totally missed out of God’s best. Have you long waited for Gods promise and are tempted to give up or give in to the spirit of the world? Friend, God wants you to see the fruit of your patience, to harvest the reward of your love and your labor for Him because there is a set time. The Angel told Zechariah “but behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time” Luke 1:20. Every single promise God has made have their appointed season of performance. Hold on to faith! Hold on to righteousness! Hold on to purity! Say no to that voice revealed in Proverbs 9: 13-18, that has made many to compromise and lose out on God’s best. His word will not fail! “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” Galatians 6:9. May your strength be renewed in Jesus name.