These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Hebrews 11: 13.
The above story of the Patriarch of Faith gives a clear indication that in this life, we all are hoping and waiting for the manifestation of promises in various areas of our lives. Another story that buttresses a waiting season is the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ and the events surrounding it.
The account of this story in Luke 1 gives so much to learn from. The prologue of the Birth of the Messiah and his forerunner as announced by an angel and received by two gives a lot to learn. From this story, we see that the first fundamental response in faith to receiving any promise given by God is the principle of asking questions. So invariably, God expects us to ask questions when he gives us a promise.
But how can we ask these questions?
Still from the above story, we see the Priest Zachariah asking – Whereby shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. Luke 1: 18. On the other hand, Mary, a 17 year old Virgin girl simply asked – How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? Luke 1: 34. These 2 asked the ‘’How’’ questions and received different responses.
What typified the responses they received?
I want to believe that the difference in the responses they received was based on the intent of how they asked, simply put, the Faith behind the questions. As seen, Zachariah was asking the question showing total unbelief, considering the deadness of Elizabeth’s’ womb yet not voicing it out, whereas Mary was asking a faith filled question giving the Holy Spirit an opportunity to overshadow and birth forth a Holy thing in her- The Son of God, even when she already had a spouse- Joseph, the visible evidence. Practically speaking, the Faith walk for every believer must lead us to ask God certain questions, and he who knows our intent for asking, will definitely give a response.
The following points can be learned from how Mary asked in Faith and the response she received:
1. Every faith walk gives a specific direction to go, the big picture will not be given in full, but there will definitely be a picture to continually feed on.
2. Allow the Holy Spirit over shadow your mind, he does this by filling your heart with the Word.
3. On every faith journey, there will always be an Elizabeth around you for you to connect with, locate and connect with her.
4. Allow the Holy Spirit to mentor you on every faith journey, you cannot do it alone, let him guide you through.
5. As you go through life, know that it is very OK to ask questions, and when you do ask, ask in faith, ask expecting a response and take actions.
In conclusion, let us be reminded that the God created us to respond to him when he speaks to us, that’s why Christianity is not a one way direction thing, but a call and response in Faith, Romans 10:9-10. Whatever vision God has given you, whatever promise he has given you, go back to him in PRAYERS and ask him in Faith , Lord, – How do I go.
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