“Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realised he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak. When his time of service was completed, he returned home.” [Luke 1:21-23]
All actions have consequences. Zechariah’s doubt led to an inability to speak. How frustrated must he have been as he waved his arms in an attempt to communicate what had happened. And how frustrating for his audience. Just what had gone on in there?! All actions have consequences. If we believe wholeheartedly and live our lives accordingly, seeking to walk in the footsteps of Jesus each day, we will find ourselves swimming against the tide. And that can be frustrating, as people around us, at best, don’t get why we do things the way we do and, at worst, mock us for being different.
Prayer:
Father God, please give me patience as I seek to live out each day a life of faith that often runs counter to the world’s way. Amen