Luke 1:19,20 – “And the angel answered and said to him, ‘I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. 20 But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.’”
Poor Zechariah. He shows up for work one day and goes about his business to take care of his priestly duties in the temple. At the time of the burning of incense everyone is outside praying and he is alone in the temple…and yet not alone. The angel Gabriel pays him a visit with some really good news: “Your prayer has been heard,” he tells him. Zechariah is startled and gripped with fear. The outcome for him is a two-edged sword so before you and I jump to an opinion about him, what would we do if an angel suddenly showed up unannounced and unexpectedly?
His prayer? “Give us a son.” Verse 7 tells us Elizabeth, his wife, was barren. This verse also tells us they were “well advanced in years.” That’s a polite way of saying, “They were old.” Certainly past the age of biologically being able to have children. They are in miracle territory. It would take something supernatural for them to have a child.
Long story short: Zechariah becomes mute because of his unbelief. Here is exactly what Gabriel told him: “But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.” (verse 20) Don’t miss the last part of that verse. What was spoken will come to pass “in their own time.” In other words, not according to your schedule Zechariah.
When Gabriel arrived he announced to Zechariah that his prayer had been heard. What messed things up for the aged priest was the timing of it all. This is an important lesson for all of us. God hears our prayers. It’s up to His schedule and timetable as to when those prayers get answered. If it seems like it’s been a very long time, maybe years or even decades, don’t you dare give up. It will come to pass when God thinks it is best. Don’t let the enemy rob you of your faith and endurance. Be encouraged today knowing that GOD HEARS!