Observation: Zacharias had been struck mute for nine months due to his doubt of the Lord, yet upon declaring his son's name to be John - and thus proving his faith - he is restored. He immediately is "filled with the Holy Spirit" and prophesizes, rightly declaring his son will be the prophet who makes way for Messiah, and even defining his ministry ... helping people find salvation through forgiveness of sins, aka baptism.
Zacharias had shown a lack of faith, and was tested for it. When he emerged, he was more than restored. He was introduced to God in a new way, filled with the Holy Spirit, able to declare prophesy himself, and even pronouncing the grand long-term mission of his 8 day old son. Zacharias had been a priest. Now, he is a prophet and father of God's own prophet, with a new experience of the Lord. By faith, he is even more than he had been.
Application: This is how the Lord restores those who have gone through trials ... they are even more than they were before! Their faith is greater, their mission bigger, their understanding deeper, their experiences grander, their love more complete.
My trials have taught me how to reassess my life's mission and priorities in a new way. During my greatest trial, I truly heard God's voice for the first time. I am still flawed, and I still struggle, and I still will never be 'great' in the kingdom of God, but I am much more now in the kingdom of God, and in my walk with the Lord, than I was three years ago.
Prayer: Lord, I know that, just like Zacharias, you restored me in a way that made me more in faith than I was before. I thank you for your amazing love, that works great wonders even in the hardest moments of life. Your love truly reaches to the heavens. Amen.
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