The Price Tag for Unbelief

And behold, you shall be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time. Luke 1:20 (New American Standard Bible)

The price for Zacharias’ unbelief was high! He would remain silent (unable to verbally communicate) until Elizabeth would give birth to their son. That would be nine months or possibly longer depending on when she actually conceived. As a person who LOVES to talk, I look at this and I instantly go into a panic mode! The ramifications are huge! He would not be able to say anything out loud at all. Not even in his prayers. The silence on his part would be a constant reminder that God’s words would be fulfilled. I take comfort in the fact that his unbelief did not cause God to cancel his plans all together. And I take comfort in the fact that the fulfillment of God’s promises is in HIS time.

But I am asking myself if in this day and age we also pay a high price for our unbelief. The answer I am getting is YES! No matter what the circumstance in our life, unbelief has a price. It is usually exacted in sleepless nights, ulcers, tension headaches, bitterness, bottled up anger, loss of joy, and souls that lack peace, contentment, and security. We often think the circumstances and people in our life bring these things on, but that is not true! It ultimately comes down to what I believe about God and His care of me.

My interpretation of events in my life take on a whole new look when I realize everything that comes into my life is first filtered through the mind, heart, and hands of God. There are countless verses that I must speak over my life in order to get the right perspective of things. No matter how unfair something seems, how unkind someone acts, how unclear the path ahead looks, how misjudged I may be, or how uncomfortable life becomes, I am not an exception to the promises God gives me in His Word.

I have a choice in the midst of waiting for God’s promises to be fulfilled to me. I can review His character and rest in His love or I can go through the time with uncomfortable consequences for my unbelief. There is a part of this journey that depends on what I choose to do. God is faithful no matter what!

Father, keep teaching me the truth about Your work, Your promises, and Your word. May my pathway be filled with joy as I wait on You. Amen.

I Have a Hope - Tommy Walker
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSbJtqYow3Q&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.