The story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, as recounted in Luke 1, teaches us about the importance of faithfulness while waiting on God. Despite their advanced age and Elizabeth’s barrenness, this couple continued to serve God faithfully. I love this story because it always reminds me of two critical realities in the Christ-following life: first, God hears our prayers. Isn’t that great news?

He hears us.

He leans in to absorb every word.

Second, there’s this: God answers those prayers in his perfect timing.  

The angel Gabriel plays a significant role in the Christmas narrative, delivering messages from God to both Zechariah and Mary. These angelic visits highlight the divine orchestration behind the events leading to Jesus’ birth. Gabriel’s interactions with these key figures underscore the importance of their roles in God’s redemptive plan. Think about it: Zechariah’s encounter with the angel Gabriel reassures us that our prayers are heard and God’s promises are sure. And Mary’s response to the angel’s announcement is a powerful example of trust and obedience. Despite the potential for shame and misunderstanding, Mary accepted God’s plan with humility and faith. Her willingness to be used by God, despite the personal cost, challenges us to trust God’s purposes for our lives, even when they seem daunting or unclear.

If you’re dealing with one of those daunting or unclear occasions, know this: God sees you and cares deeply for you. He is working in you, through you, and on your behalf. Stay faithful to his will and his ways. See if he doesn’t amaze you with his perfect plan. Here are some practical steps to take in deepening your faith while you wait on God to move:

1. Keep serving. Like Zechariah and Elizabeth, continue to serve God faithfully, even when there are more questions than answers in your life.

2. Trust and obey. Follow Mary’s example of trust and obedience. Be willing to accept God’s plans for your life, even when they are challenging or unclear. Trust that his purposes are for your good and his glory.

3. Seek beauty and wonder: Ask God to open your eyes to the beauty and wonder around you. Look for signs of his presence and goodness in your daily life. This practice can help you maintain a joyful heart, even in difficult times.

As you go through this week, challenge yourself to walk not by sight but by faith, trusting that God is with you and working in your life.

I love being your pastor!

Brady

Generosity is a core principle of what it means to follow Jesus, and when we practice generosity, we reflect both our gratitude for God’s blessings in our life and our trust in his ongoing provision.

Proverbs 3:9-10 encourages us to honor the Lord with our wealth, promising that our barns will be “filled to overflowing.” And the kind of “wealth” referred to here isn’t just about money, but about every resource God entrusts to us: our time, our talents, our spiritual gifts, and more. This means that any time we invest ourselves in helping relieve another person’s burden, we’re making a God-honoring choice.

So, how can we make the practice of generosity a more frequent part of our lives? Let me give you three straightforward places to start.

Trust God

Giving is never just about money; it’s about trust. When we offer God our first and best, we’re making a bold declaration: God, I trust you to take care of me. That kind of trust changes us! It draws us closer to the heart of our Father and reminds us that he is always faithful to provide.

Generosity isn’t something God needs from us—it’s something he wants for us. When we hold tightly to what we have, fear and scarcity can take root, but when we trust him with open hands, our faith grows, and our hearts start to align with his purposes.

This week, ask yourself: Am I giving God my best, or just what’s left over?

Trust him with the first and best of your resources, and watch how he meets your needs in sometimes surprising ways. Let this kind of generosity deepen your walk with him.

Plan Your Giving

In 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, Paul gives us a simple yet powerful instruction: plan your giving. Setting aside a portion of our income regularly isn’t just practical—it’s a spiritual discipline connected to right living that ensures our generosity is intentional and not an afterthought. This habit helps us prioritize what matters most: God’s kingdom work.

When we give with consistency, we’re reminded that generosity isn’t tied to how much we have in the moment but to the faithfulness of God who provides. Planned giving also shapes our hearts, teaching us to live with an open-handed trust that honors God and blesses others.

Take a moment this week to reflect: Is my giving intentional or sporadic? What might need to change in my life for generosity to become my regular rhythm of worship?

Plan your giving for this next week, month, or season, and watch how God uses it to grow his kingdom—and in the process, grow your faith.

Sticking to Your Plan

In 1 Corinthians 16:3-4, Paul emphasizes the importance of accountability when it comes to handling church finances, an exhortation we can apply to personal finances, too. He knew that trust is a cornerstone of healthy community, and transparency in giving builds that trust.

When we follow a consistent plan for generosity, it becomes a habit that reflects God’s character—faithful, dependable, and good, and the best way to make that plan stick over the long haul is by soliciting accountability. Take time this week to examine your giving. Assuming you’re now open to following a thoughtful plan, think through how you’ll stay accountable to that plan. Which trusted friend or loved one can you make aware of the high points of your financial plan so that you’re sure to stick to it over time?

The Impact of Generosity

Generosity is a real bridge-builder. When you offer a word of encouragement, a heartfelt prayer, or a material resource to someone, you pave a path of connection between you and him or her. The ultimate example of this, of course, is seen in the life of Jesus, who left heaven to come to earth in human form. By offering that generous gift, he extended a point of connection to you and me that we could never, ever afford.

As we celebrate the second week of Advent this week, let’s remember that we are called to create space for Christ’s peace to dwell within us. And we are called to emulate him as we give generously to a world in need.

I love being your pastor—

Brady