Luke 1:11–15 (NLT) While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar. Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him. But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. “CHRISTMAS HAS BECOME COZY. ADVENT CALLS US TO STAY AWAKE.” ~ N.T. Wright Waiting on the promise of a God. Luke 1:5 (NLT) When Herod was king of Judea, there was a Jewish priest named Zechariah. He was a member of the priestly order of Abijah, and his wife, Elizabeth, was also from the priestly line of Aaron. God’s silence is never His . While you’re waiting, God is . God the silence. Luke 1:11–15 (NLT) While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar. Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him. But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. Luke 1:18–22 (NLT) 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.” 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! But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.” Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah to come out of the sanctuary, wondering why he was taking so long. When he finally did come out, he couldn’t speak to them. leads to suffering. WHAT NOW? 1. Accept that God’s perfect timing is better than yours. Hebrews 10:23 Let us not waver, for He who promised is trustworthy. 2. Let your need lead you to Jesus. CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION 1. Why do you think humans have such a difficult time accepting that God’s perfect timing is better than their own? 2. Which of these statements resonates with you the most? a. God’s silence is never His absence. b. While you’re waiting, God is working. c. Unbelief leads to suffering. 3. Have you ever had an experience or need that led you to Jesus? a. What happened? 4. Is there any specific area of your life that requires you to believe this verse more deeply? Hebrews 10:23 Let us not waver, for He who promised is trustworthy.