Once Again

"Once [again] when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God…” (see Luke 1:8 NIV).

Zechariah’s division took its turn to serve in the temple on a specific rotation, so you could say, “once again when he was on duty…”

“Once again” can represent so many emotions, can't it?

Once again—I've done this so many times...

Once again—although I don't really feel God at the moment...

Once again—although I'm not enjoying this at all...

Once again—although I don’t feel needed here...

Once again—although it’s hard to believe God actually sees me...

Once again—although I doubt God will ever answer my prayers...

Do you sometimes have these thoughts too?

That's why I like this story about Zechariah so much. When we think of him, the first thing that comes to mind is that he became mute because he didn't believe God’s Word. But Zechariah was not a bad man. On the contrary, it is said about him and his wife that "Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly." (Luke 1:6 NIV).

But even though they lived to please God, they knew pain in their lives. For example, they knew the pain of not having children. For “...Elizabeth was unable to conceive...” (Luke 1:7 NIV).

Maybe you don't understand the world anymore either. You do what God wants you to do; you try to live a life that pleases Him, and yet you experience so much pain. Instead of joy you experience sadness; instead of miracles you experience bad news after bad news.

This is where “once again” comes into play. Where did Zechariah have his prayer answered? In the temple, while serving faithfully “once again.” While seeking God's presence “once again.”

If it takes faithful routine to experience your miracle, don't you want to move forward today?

“And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens…” (see Luke 1:20 NIV).

The miracle God has planned for you will be revealed at the perfect time! You can trust that!

You are a miracle!

Déborah