19 And the angel answered and said to him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. 20 But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time."  21 And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple. 22 But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless.  23 So it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, that he departed to his own house. 24 Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying, 25 "Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people."  Luke 1:19-25

Have you ever doubted God?  Have you ever doubted His ability to do what He says He can do?  I have, and I must confess, I'm not horribly proud of my faithless-ness whenever it crops up in my life.  There are so many things that I don't understand, and so many holy works of the Lord that I struggle to wrap my mind around. Even AFTER I began a relationship with Him, I have had days when I doubted in God's abilities.

I have had moments when I look back at God's promises, AND at my lack of faith, and I see (usually later on), tangible evidence, that what I doubted was completely true and right.  

Zacharias is experiencing the same scenario.  He receives a sign (as well as a penalty for unbelief), when he doubts the angel's words to him about Elizabeth conceiving and bearing a child. If we're honest, we can hardly blame him for his doubts.  Think about it; how readily would you accept someone telling you that an elderly woman was going to give birth...especially after she had been barren all of her life?

Often, God doesn't fit into the spiritual "boxes" that we sometimes try to place Him in. When it comes to God's ability to do what He says He can do, perhaps we should ask Him for the grace everyday to believe that the word "impossible" should never be applied to Him.

Tomorrow, we'll go further into the chapter.  Something exciting is about to transpire, and the "impossible" becomes possible once again.