Luke 1:57-66,80 New American Bible

Luke 1:57-66,80 Bible Gateway New International Version

“John Is His Name.”

For many years Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth had been asking God for a son. When they were very, very old, the Angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah and told him they were going to have a son named John. Zechariah did not believe what he heard the angel. Therefore, God took his voice away from him. When their son was born, everyone wanted to know what they were naming him. Elizabeth said, “John.” People started fussing because that was not a name that was in the family. Then Zechariah wrote on a tablet, “John is his name.” All of a sudden his voice came back. He spoke to his son, “And you, child... will go before the Lord ...to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins." Never underestimate the power of God. Always believe that he can do things for you that seem impossible.

Think of something that seems difficult for you to accomplish. Then ask God to help you do it. With God’s help you can do things you would never believe yourself capable of doing. If all year long you have been trying to kick a goal in a soccer game, God can help you do it. If you have been cheating on your tests, God can help you learn so that you won’t need to cheat to pass the test. If you are having health problems, ask God to heal you. God can do the impossible for you. You have to give him a choice. He can do it if he believes it will help you become what he has planned for you.

Like John the Baptist, you were put on this earth for a special purpose. If what you are asking God will keep you going in the direction to accomplish your purpose in life, God will probably help you. Sometimes God answers your prayers by granting you something different from what you asked. Then later you begin to understand why he did what he did.

Say the “Our Father” and ask God to help you grow closer to him. Believe that God can do the impossible. He has a surprise blessing for you each day. Make sure you look for it and notice it. Thank him for your many blessings. Tell him how much you love him. He will smile on you because you have faith in him.

“Our Father, who art in Heaven,

Hallowed be Thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day, our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.