I think we all would like to grow in faith, but we don’t always want to be stretched to get there. A baby bird does not like being pushed out of the nest although it is best thing for it. Growing up and becoming an adult is not easy, but remaining childlike is not healthy emotionally. There are many things in life that are not easy but turn out to be the best thing for us. Maybe you have experienced a time of stretching along your spiritual journey or are experiencing it right now.
In our story, Zechariah was being stretched when an angel of God visited him and told him he is was going to have a son in his old age.
11 While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar. 12 Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him. 13 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. 14 You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. [1]Luke 1:11-14
Sometimes, God calls us out of the comfort zone and what’s familiar, and sends us into the unknown. In our story, this is what Zechariah was experiencing. Sometimes He calls us to a new path, career, or city. This is something I have experienced personally. Sometimes it’s smaller than that, and the Holy Spirit is leading you introduce yourself to your neighbor, pray over someone you just met or give more. God will design your spiritual stretching just with you in mind.
If we are honest, stretching isn’t always that most enjoyable experience. It’s uncomfortable, its unfamiliar, and it’s never easy. God will never overwhelm us or give us something that we cannot handle. Our Lord is the Good Shepherd and has our best interest at heart.
Take time to seek and listen to the Lord. Where is He leading you that may not be comfortable, but the best thing for you spiritually. Rely on the Lord and let the Lord lead you along your spiritual journey.
Jesus tells us in Luke 9:23, “Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.“[2]
To hear the story of Zechariah, listen here:
[1, 2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Lk 1:11–15, Lk 9:23). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.