That is why you fail

First off, I just want to say Happy Star Wars Day, and May the 4th be with you!

Now for a semi-inspired Star Wars lesson.

And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”

-Luke 1:30-34

I read these verses and immediately one thing pops out at me. In the previous verses Zechariah struggled believing that Elizabeth would conceive and at a quick first glance it seems to some like Mary might be doubting as well. 

But let's think about it. Zechariah said, "How shall I know this?" (Luke 1:18), but Mary said, "How will this be?" (Luke 1:34). Notice the difference? Both are questioning God, right? But do both doubt? Zechariah was cursed for his doubt, right? 

Zechariah pretty much said, "How can I know this will really happen?" or "How do I know this to be true?". His doubt was in God. This priest who studied the scriptures and memorized at least the first five books of the Old Testament, (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) so he knew what God did. He knew it, but he didn't believe it.

Is this a reoccurring theme in our life? We know the scriptures, we have a head knowledge of it, but when it comes right down to it we don't believe? 


When Luke Skywalker landed in the dagobah system, he couldn't believe a little green guy named Yoda could train him. He knew this guy was a great trainer, Obi-Wan's spirit said so! But seeing a little green guy is different. Then after training with him, he is instructed to lift his crashed X-Wing out of the swamp. He couldn't. Yoda did. The picture below sums up the interaction.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.

-Jeremiah 29:11-12 ESV

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

-Romans 8:28 ESV

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make straight your paths.

-Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV


“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
-John 3:16 ESV

You know these verses, right? But do you believe it? But Mary said, "I know and believe this will be, but how?" She knew the capability of God, and that He could do it! She knew he could, but just didn't know how. 

Do we know it with our heads, or hearts?