I do not understand why I am surprised when God answers my prayers. I have witnessed him moving mountains in the lives of others — people I have prayed about for years. I have seen circumstances dramatically change. Yet I am still surprised when I see it happen. Why?
It makes me relate to Zechariah in Luke 1:5-18 where an angel appeared to him inside the temple to tell him God has heard his prayer. The angel tells him his barren wife Elizabeth “will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John (1:13, NASB).” It is an answer to prayer, yet Zachariah doubts. “How will I know this for certain? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years,” he responds (18).
It is how I often respond. Even though I pray to God for something to happen, I look at my request through human eyes. I can only see that it is not humanly possible — which is exactly the place God wants us to be. If it seems impossible, then only God can do it. We need to rely on God, to deepen our faith and trust in him. I need to release my barren thoughts that can’t conceive of what is possible with God.
The angel causes Zachariah to be mute because of his disbelief in what God conveyed he would do. “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,” the angel said (20). This statement is instructive to me — to silence my doubt and let God work in His time. To pray to Him with expectation and trust. “For nothing will be impossible with God (Luke 1:37).”
© 2020 CGThelen
“And at once his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he began to speak in praise of God.” – Luke 1:64
140 Character Christian 
I’m in a situation right now where I need to depend on God alone, and discern His leading. Thank you for sharing this. “Help Thou my unbelief!”
Praying God’s wisdom will be evident to you; that his way will be clear; that your faith will be strengthened as you lean on God alone. Blessings.
Thank you. God blessed our situation, and He absolutely strengthened my faith!
I like how you said we need to rely on God to deepen our faith and trust in Him.
Often, I’ve tried to go it on my own when worried, confused or angry. It never works, because I’m not the source—God is.
Waiting on God and his perfect timing is something I continue to work on. May we rely on the wisdom of God to direct us. Blessings.