Luke 1:5-25 (NIV) (focus verses 18-20)
(vs. 18a) – Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this?”
Zechariah doubted the angel in view of his age and his wife’s age. “In doing so, he made the fulfillment of God’s promise contingent on natural laws and means. His unbelief and request for a sign displeased the Lord.” God doesn’t mind our questions, but it does matter that we believe. Everything in God comes to us via the avenue of faith. Mary’s response to the angel also included a question (vs. 34), but it was not clothed in unbelief. When we find it difficult to believe, we can pray: “Lord, I believe, help me overcome my unbelief (doubts)” (Mark 9:24).