Here are some faith lessons from Zechariah and Mary:

Gabriel answered, “The Spirit of Holiness will fall upon you and almighty God will spread his shadow of power over you in a cloud of glory! This is why the child born to you will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. 36 What’s more, your aged aunt, Elizabeth, has also become pregnant with a son. The ‘barren one’ is now in her sixth month. 37 Not one promise from God is empty of power, for nothing is impossible with God!” Then Mary responded, saying, “This is amazing! I will be a mother for the Lord! As his servant, I accept whatever he has for me. May everything you have told me come to pass.” And the angel left her. Luke 1.35 – 38, Passion Translation

These are familiar stories, but they are quite fantastic. Two people: Zechariah and Mary:

• At first, Zechariah did not believe (Luke 1.18 – 20), but after, he had to exercise enough faith to get Elizabeth pregnant. (Compare Abraham, Romans 4.20, 21)
• Mary did believe and responded, “I accept whatever he has for me.” Nothing indicates she had to respond that way or that the promise was contingent upon her response, but it most likely was. Theoretically, she could have refused.
• “Not one promise from God is empty of power, for nothing is impossible with God” was spoken to Mary, but it was about Zechariah and Elizabeth as much as about her.

Am I believing God can do great things through me? Am I accepting his assignments?

And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” (Isaiah 6.8, ESV)