In Luke chapter 1, we read the story foretelling of the birth of both John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. Most of the time, when reading the Bible we just simply read over the section of Scripture quickly or without really stopping to think and studying to find the actual truths behind and surrounding what we are reading.
You can take time to read the chapter yourself, but I want to point out two sections of it.
“And Zechariah said to the angel, ‘How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.'”(Luke 1:18)
“And Mary said to the angel, ‘How will this be, since I am a virgin?'” (Luke 1:34)
Both of these verses follow the visit of the angel Gabriel, who came to both Zechariah and Mary to tell them something was going to happen that was impossible. The angel told Zechariah that his wife would bear a son, but both he and his wife were well advanced in years. And the angel told Mary she was going to have a child also, but Mary was still a virgin.
However, if you look at the responses these two gave the angels you’ll see two different reactions.
Zechariah responded with doubt and lack of understanding how it would be possible, but Mary responded with trust and lack of understanding. It’s like Zechariah said “That’s impossible…Can’t be done!” But Mary responded, “I don’t see how it can be done, but if that’s what God wants to do – so be it!”
And if you read the chapter, you’ll see that immediately the angel made Zechariah unable to speak. “And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.” (Luke 1:20)
Look at more at Mary’s response in verse 38, “And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.” No doubt at all – just complete trust, even though she didn’t understand HOW it could happen.
That’s the kind of trust we should have in God and His Word! Even when we don’t understand how things can happen, we should always trust Him and obey Him! Remember, He is God – He can do ANYTHING He wants!