Otis McMillan ~ Christmas Living: Prayer, Preaching, and Possibility
“But the angel said unto him, ‘Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.'” (Luke 1:13-14)
Yesterday’s prayer has been heard: God simply is waiting for the right time to bless.
As a young couple, Zacharias and Elizabeth asked God for a son. Their prayers appeared not to be heard. They aged and came to a place in their lives that they accepted the fact that parenthood would not be a part of their lives. It was at that time the Lord revealed to them their prayer had been heard. He simply was waiting for the right time to bless.
There are prayers that you have prayed that you may have given up on. Before you make that decision it is essential that you understand God’s timing is different from man’s. God has a greater plan for your life and will respond at the proper time. Be assured that yesterday’s prayer has been heard; he is simply waiting for the right time to bless.
“In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, and saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:1-2)
Someone needs to hear about Jesus: are you prepared to tell the message?
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord, we must recognize the importance of John the Baptist. He was sent to declare the message of the coming of Jesus. Men and women needed to know that the one who was mightier than he was coming, one that would baptize with the Holy Ghost and fire. The message of salvation had to be told.
As important as John the Baptist was at his time, his role remains vital today. Every child of God must be adequately prepared to share the message of Jesus. There are countless men and women waiting today to hear about the one that can change their lives. There is only one Savior, but there must be a countless number of believers ready to share the story.
“For with God nothing shall be impossible.” (Luke 1:37)
Don’t limit yourself to the possible: with God all things are possible, even the impossible.
Every account in scripture provides the reader with a valuable lesson. Mary’s trust in the fact that God could not fail allowed her to be used by the Lord. Even when she could not imagine how it was possible for her to have a child, she refused to limit herself. She stepped out of her box, knowing that with God, even what appears impossible is possible.
Each child of God has created a box that indicates to them what is possible and what is not. The key to being used by the Lord, and to receive what God intends for your life, begins with you being willing to step out of your box. As you take God at his Word, and walk in faith, miracles will occur. Don’t limit yourself; God has wonderful plans designed for your future. They only appear impossible.