When I Fail and Am Afraid
Luke 1:12-13 Zacharias was troubled when he saw the angel, and fear gripped him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John.
Story: Put simply, Zacharias doesn’t believe. He’s been praying for a son for years, and seems to have come to the point of doubting it will happen. But when the angel Gabriel appears to Zacharias in the Temple, Zacharias expresses fear, then doubt. As a priest, he should be familiar with being in God’s presence. And yet, God deliberately chooses this doubting priest to be the father of John the Baptist, forerunner of the Messiah. After nine months of being mute in discipline for his unbelief, Zacharias obeys God in the naming of his son and then speaks blessing to God (v. 57-66).
My Prayer Response: Father, I’m grateful for Zacharias – a man who failed in fear and doubt, but learned and grew in faith. With this fear journal, my aim isn’t sinless perfection, but growth. Continue to teach me, preparing me for what You know is next. When I fail or fall short, remind me that, like Zacharias, You grant opportunity to learn, to trust You, and to bless you!
May you grow spiritually today!