GOD Morning! March 29 Boot Camp Day 23 / This Pilgrim Was Not Progressing

GOD Morning!  March 29 

Boot Camp Day 23

This Pilgrim Was Not Progressing

Luke 1:57-80

John Is Born

⁵⁷ Now the time had come for Elizabeth to give birth, and she gave birth to a son. ⁵⁸ Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown His great mercy toward her, and they were rejoicing with her.

⁵⁹ It happened that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child [as required by the Law], and they intended to name him Zacharias, after his father; ⁶⁰ but his mother answered, “No indeed; instead he will be called John.” ⁶¹ And they said to her, “None of your relatives is called by that name.” ⁶² Then they made signs to his father, as to what he wanted him called. ⁶³ And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote as follows, “His name is John.” And they were all astonished.⁶⁴ At once Zacharias’ mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began speaking, praising and blessing and thanking God. ⁶⁵ Then fear came on all their neighbors; and all these things were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. ⁶⁶ All who heard these things kept them in mind, saying, “What then will this little boy turn out to be?” For the hand of the Lord was certainly with him [to bring about his birth].

⁶⁷ Now Zacharias his father was filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered by Him, and he prophesied…

A little back story. I was very discouraged and disappointed in myself. This pilgrim was not progressing! I was stuck in unbelief that I would ever move forward. I felt like I was actually in danger of slipping backwards. 56 years old and feeling stuck. I would inch forward and then slide backwards. I was so tired of myself.

One day I texted a minister friend.  I have always loved and admired her. She is a very busy lady, however. She has a full life with a large family, a demanding job, and also she is very passionate about ministry at church and in the community.  I didn’t really feel like I should bother her. I mean I should have it all together by now, right? She should be free to mentor those who are younger than me and/or babes in Christ.

Anyway, I poured everything out via text. And her response was, “Let’s get together for coffee.”
You know, sometimes your answer is right in front of your face. Literally.

So here I am. Back. Back in fellowship with my Lord. Not feeling like a failure anymore. Am I perfect? No. Is my prayer life perfect? No.  Am I rising every morning at 4? No. Sometimes I fall back asleep after I turn the alarm off.  But this pilgrim is now making progress!

I had become spiritually mute. Why? Because of my unbelief. When I tried to pray, I would just shake my head in shame. God couldn’t reach past my unbelief. I stopped God in His tracks. I slapped Him in the face with my doubt that He could do anything with me.

Zacharias took a step of action. He wrote, “His name is John.”

He was instantly delivered and could speak again.

Oh, and there’s more! He not only could speak, but he was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied!

I took a step of action. I texted my friend. I am delivered!  I am no longer stuck in a world of silence. The silence is broken! The sweet communion with my Best Friend is again flowing!

Are you like Zacharias, silenced by unbelief? Take an action step of faith! Even when you feel hopeless! You have the power to break the silence and be filled with the power of the Holy Ghost!

“Dear Jesus, my hope is that someone who is reading this will be encouraged to take that hard first step. The step of faith. Not in herself, but faith in You that You can do the impossible. Please rush in. Please rush in for her exactly like You rushed in for me. Please grab her, hold her close to Your heart, and forgive her. How I love You, dear precious Jesus. You died for me. I will live for You. AMEN.”