How Can I be Sure

Have you ever wondered if what the Bible says can really apply to you? Have you ever had doubts about God's promises? Even someone with a strong faith and a life dedicated to God's service, can be filled with doubt. This can even be more true with someone with low self esteem.

Last week we heard about the wonderful news that the angel shared with Zacharias.

• Zacharias prayers have been heard
• You shall have a son and call him John
• You will have joy and gladness
• Many people will be rejoicing at his birth

Not only that but he will have a mission from God to turn the people back to Him. So lets look at Zacharias' response


8 And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.”
19 And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. 20 But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.”
21 And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple. 22 But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless.
23 So it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, that he departed to his own house. 24 Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying, 25 “Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”

Even though Zacharias had been praying and it would appear that he was praying for a son, when he heard the wonderful news, he was filled with doubt. How can this be for me? How is it possible after many years of waiting and now that I am old and my wife is old? As we can see from Zacharias response and Elizabeth comment in verse 25, they were well aware over the years that people looked down on them for not having children. Not like today’s society that celebrates the individual, where who you are is more important than your relationship to God. So after many years of discouragement the Angel pronouncement came as a shock and doubt entered into Zacharias mind. Maybe the angel is confused and expected someone else in the temple burning incense, maybe the angel has trouble realizing that old people can’t have kids. We cannot truly know why the hope that Zacharias had and prayed for turned to doubt when faced with a miracle from God.

Gabriel is a messenger. He conveyed the consequences of Zacharias doubt. You will be mute until the fulfillment of the promise. In a sense Gabriel did Zacharias a favor, by giving him a definite sign and reminder of what is possible with God. I almost get the sense that Gabriel was prepared for Zacharias’ doubt.

Then Zacharias emerges and the crowd (remember many are probably family and friends that came to be with Zacharias during this once in a life time honor of serving in the temple) knows that he has had a vision but not sure what it is. As the angel promised Elizabeth indeed conceived, and to be sure that this dream is real, she stayed hidden for 5 months, until she realized that the Lord had removed all doubts about His love for her.

It might seem hard to believe when confronted by an angel that suddenly appears that Zacharias could have doubts about the fulfillment of the message. But we have the miracle of Jesus resurrection and His Word in the scriptures promising that He will watch over us and not to worry about tomorrow. But we doubt, we are unsure if His miracle extends to us, if we are really as important in God’s eyes as others. Be assured I think this passage demonstrates that even when we doubt, God fulfills His promises.