Dear Explorer,
Read Luke 1:57-66
When did God restore Zechariah's voice?
Do you think there is a connection between his getting his voice back and his obedience?
We've talked before that this period of muteness was more a protection and a blessing than a punishment. Do you see that God also used it to emphasize that what Zechariah now had to say was important?
I don't know why God wanted John to be named John, but that's what He asked Zechariah to do. When Zechariah obeyed, his voice was healed, and the news of his message was spread all over the place.
Many times, our obedience to God is a private thing – just between us and God. But occasionally God will ask us to do something out of the ordinary. His purpose is not just to test our obedience and loyalty – but for other people to recognize and praise God as a result.
We need to be careful to be obedient when God asks us to do big things, or seemingly little things. God always has a purpose and a plan – even if we don't understand it. So, when God says, “move”, we move. When God says “stop”, we stop. You need to learn to obey quickly – without talking back or questioning. God deserves our complete and quick obedience!
Are there some things that God is asking you to do today that you need to obey?
It's really hard to get in the habit of obedience without question. But once we realize how much God loves us and that His desires for us are best – then it's easier to obey.
In His service, dale
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