Moments ago I had a vision of a friend praying for me saying “be quiet and listen”. As I began to read my daily scripture I noticed something I had not considered before and the Lord began to speak into this very moment in time.
“While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar. Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him. But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.” But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.””
Luke 1:11-13, 18, 20 NLT
“When the baby was eight days old, they all came for the circumcision ceremony. They wanted to name him Zechariah, after his father. “What?” they exclaimed. “There is no one in all your family by that name.” So they used gestures to ask the baby’s father what he wanted to name him. He motioned for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s surprise he wrote, “His name is John.””
Luke 1:59, 61-63 NLT
Discovering that people had to speak to Zechariah using hand gestures reveals to us that not only was he was unable to speak but he was also unable to hear due to his unbelief.
A generation changing event was about to unfold preparing for the greatest move of God yet to be witnessed since the beginning of time. In preparation for this moment Zechariah was literally cut off from the world only able to commune with God Almighty. He had to sharply attune his spirit to that “still small voice” that speaks to each of us. A voice that is easily ignored if other forces are competing for our attention.
As this great prophet was formed in his mother’s womb his father was being prepared for the critical role he would play as he waited on the Lord learning the power of quietness and confidence.
“This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it.”
Isaiah 30:15 NLT
There is literally warfare happening over the gates of your promise. I can see the clash of kingdoms in the spirit.
In this moment a choice is being presented. Will you believe that every Word of God will prove itself true in your life or will you listen to the other voices trying to lure you into conflict?
Choose quietness and confidence and go through the gates!
Just spent the last hour praying for promises and believing God for things to come forth.