Stay in the temple!

When something happens to us, our first instinct is often to run to our family. We want comfort. We need someone to talk to about what we’ve been through.

Something happened to Zechariah in the temple—something he probably wanted to tell his wife immediately. But he couldn’t tell her at all because he had lost his voice. 🙊 When an angel appeared to him and told him that, even in his old age, he would become a father, he doubted.

So the angel said: “And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.” (Luke 1:20 NIV)

Okay, wow—something really happened! Today, we might have pulled out our phones right away, filmed a quick video with the temple in the background—maybe even asked the angel to appear in the shot! 😂 Then we’d run to tell everyone: “You won’t believe what just happened to me!”

But what did Zechariah actually do?

“When his time of service was completed, he returned home.” (Luke 1:23) That’s all it says… And it’s enough.

Zechariah stayed until the end. He stayed in the temple. He didn’t rush to tell others about his experience. He remained in God’s presence.

He likely first asked God for forgiveness—for his unbelief. And then he probably moved into worship: “Father, thank You that You will answer my long-awaited prayer!”

Either way, he stayed. He stayed in the temple. He stayed in God’s presence. And he only went home once his service—his assignment for the day—was complete.

I want to encourage you today: stay. Stay until your assignment is done, no matter what happens. Zechariah had every reason to leave, but he didn’t miss a single moment in God’s presence.

Fill up on God’s presence. Find strength for your journey before sharing what you’ve experienced!

You are a miracle!