The first time we learn about Zacharias, we get a really interesting description of who he and his wife were:

“They were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.” (Luke 1:6)

Righteous.

Keeping commandments.

Performing ordinances.

Zacharias is a priest.

Officiating in the temple.

Praying for a child, even though it logically wasn’t going to happen anymore.

Carrying that burden of righteous dreams unfulfilled.

Zacharias was… a really really good man. From what I can tell.

And then we get the dramatic shift.

A life-changing message is delivered.

Things were about to change.

And Zacharias?

Good, righteous Zacharias.

His faith falters.

“Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.” (Luke 1:18)

And the Lord knew exactly what Zacharias needed.

He needed to be humbled a bit in order to let his faith grow.

And so the trial came— Zacharias couldn’t speak.

What would Zacharias do with this trial?

Would he let it make him angry and bitter? Or would he allow it to humble himself and let his faith grow?

I wonder what work Zacharias did in his heart and his mind during those months while his wife was expecting.

I wonder what his journey was.

But all we see is where his heart and his mind end up at the end. We see their destination.

After months and months of trials and also blessings…

He writes that his son’s name should be John.

“And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.” (Luke 1:64)

And shortly after:

“And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel”. (Luke 1:67-68)

It worked.

The trial changed good, righteous Zacharias into an even more refined and devoted disciple of the Lord.

He allowed his trial to grow his faith.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Zacharias’ journey first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

Any new series that comes out, I usually find it and watch it right away. I love them!

It fascinates me that the cooking show contestants are always given challenges that seem impossible!

Cook with those ingredients?

In that time frame?

With that weird twist thrown at them?

I’m always thinking, “There’s no way they can actually do that!”

And yet, they pretty much always accomplish their challenge.

But in my own personal life, I’ve also had plenty of projects to complete or deadlines to hit that seem impossible.

“There’s no way I’m going to get this done in time.”

And yet, when the time runs out, I’ve almost always somehow made it happen.

On a much grander scale, do we actually believe what the angel Gabriel said to Mary?

“With God nothing shall be impossible.” (Luke 1:37)

Nothing is impossible with God!

Not just cooking competitions or school deadlines, but tasks that really seem impossible:

Forgiving someone for something that seemed unforgivable.

Fulfilling a church calling that seems overwhelming.

Learning how to enjoy motherhood.

Becoming a friend to someone you don’t get along with.

Learning a new skill at any age.

What seems truly impossible to you right now?

When we turn to the Savior, I’ve learned that He can make anything that is righteous and aligned with His will possible.

Nothing is too much to ask for.

For with God, nothing shall be impossible.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Cooking competitions first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

I mean, yes, an angel says it each time.

But I think it’s interesting to look at the other context for these three times:

1. Matthew 1:20 “Fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife”.

Joseph is told to FEAR NOT to do a really hard thing that had been asked of him.

To do something different than what society expected. 

2. Luke 1:13 “Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son”. 

Zacharias is told to FEAR NOT because the whole circumstances of his life were going to be changing soon.

To fear not that the Lord hasn’t been hearing his prayers. 

3. Luke 1:30 “Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.”

Mary is told to FEAR NOT after wondering her standing with God.

She doesn’t think she’s the right person, but she is told that she has found favor with Him and to not fear.

Fear creeps into our lives so many shapes and forms.

Fear of change, fear of rejection, fear of being ridiculed, fear of being wrong…

But God sends His messengers to remind us that we don’t need to dwell in fear.

He will provide the miracle.

He will make the worldly mocking seem like nothing.

He will reassure us of our standing before Him.

He will answer our prayers.

He is aware of every single little detail, every little nuance of our specific situation.

And still, He invites us to fear not.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post 3 Fearful circumstances  first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

And teeeeechnically I was.

I put in my notice and got ready to leave.

But I noticed that my thoughts kept turning to almost “accusing” thoughts toward the Spirit for the (very strong and undeniable) prompting that I was following.

“Okay, fine, I’m doing what I’m supposed to do! I hope there’s something good in the future.”

“I’m not sure how this is going to work out.”

“You told me to do this and I’m just following the prompting.”

I wanted the Lord to answer all of my questions.

I wanted Him to eliminate any sign of doubt or risk.

And if He wouldn’t, then I felt like I had a reason to be frustrated.

Has your life ever gone in a completely different direction than you had hoped or expected?

I LOVE young Mary’s strong example.

When she learned about a future that she very much had not expected for herself, she didn’t turn accusatory.

Instead, she turned curious.

“How shall this be?” (Luke 1:34)

She was humble and faith-filled and curious

I’ve found much more connection with God when I’ve focused on asking my questions with a “curious” mindset instead of an “accusing” mindset.

“Oh, I’m supposed to quit my job? Wow, that is scary, but I’m really interested to see what exciting things You have planned for my life next!”

In fact, I think our questions to the Lord tend to reveal a lot about our hearts!

When we receive an answer from the Lord, do we show distrust and resentment, even if we align our actions?

Or do we show humility and faith in the way we approach the Lord with our questions?

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Curious and humble Mary first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.