What practical steps can we take to trust God's messages in our lives? Setting the Scene: Gabriel’s Credibility “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God” (Luke 1:19). One short sentence, yet it tells us why Zechariah—and we—can believe what God says: • Messenger identified: Gabriel, not an anonymous voice. • Proven proximity: he “stands in the presence of God,” directly connected to the Source. • Clear commissioning: sent “to speak to you and to bring you this good news.” The pattern is timeless: when the message is truly from God, it bears His signature, His character, and His purpose. Practical Steps to Trust God’s Messages Today • Stay in the Word daily – Scripture is the unchanging benchmark; anything from God will harmonize with it. – Remember 2 Timothy 3:16’s reminder that all Scripture is God-breathed and useful for every area of life (paraphrased). • Know the Shepherd’s Voice – Jesus said, “My sheep listen to My voice” (John 10:27). – Familiarity grows through consistent prayer, worship, and quiet listening. • Test Everything – 1 Thessalonians 5:21 urges us to “test all things” (paraphrased). – Ask: Does this message exalt Christ? Align with biblical truth? Produce the fruit of the Spirit? • Seek God’s Presence – Gabriel’s authority rested on where he stood. Likewise, time spent before God—individually and in gathered worship—sharpens discernment. • Obey Promptly – Zechariah’s hesitation cost him speech; Mary’s swift obedience (Luke 1:38) brought blessing. Acting on what God says deepens trust the next time He speaks. • Remember Past Faithfulness – Keep a journal of answered prayers and fulfilled promises. Rehearsing God’s track record fuels confidence when new instructions arrive. • Lean on God-fearing Counsel – Proverbs celebrates wise advisers. Mature believers help confirm or correct what we think we’ve heard. Living It Out Trust grows through a rhythm: receive the word, verify it by Scripture, act on it, and watch God prove Himself faithful. Repeat that cycle, and His messages become not only believable but eagerly anticipated. |
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