Zechariah’s “how”

Please read Luke 1:11-20 (NLT) The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold

18 Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.”

19 Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news!

Mary’s “how”

Please read Luke 1:26–34; 37-38 (NLT) The Birth of Jesus Foretold

34 Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.”

37 For nothing is impossible with God.”

38 Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.

Walking this out:

• Don’t ask God “how”. Our job is to trust Him. Won’t He do it! Psalm37:3 (KJV)
• Mary’s question reflects how even those with great faith may wrestle with uncertainty at times. Asking questions doesn’t always mean disbelief—sometimes it means seeking deeper insight into God’s purposes. Matt. 7:7-8 (KJV)
• God doesn’t bless people according to their age, sex, or station in life. He blesses them according to his own good purposes.

o Philippians 2:13 (KJV) 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

• Faith is the right and pleasing response to ALL God’s promises. Heb. 11:6 (KJV)