Fire engineers read smoke. Its behavior and its color provide clues about the emanating blaze. In today’s verse, Zechariah the priest is going about his duties burning incense before the altar of God. Out of the smoke he’s startled to see someone standing with him – the angel Gabriel, who speaks to Zechariah the comforting words of today’s verse.

Do not be afraid, Zechariah: for your prayer has been heard.

Luke 1:13

That particular day, Zechariah’s duty was to bring an offering covering the sins of an entire nation, yet the prayer God promised to answer was personal. Zechariah wanted a son. He and his wife were old and well past a reasonable expectation for bearing children. One would imagine that improbable prayer might have been tucked away years earlier. Then, literally out of the haze, God gives an answer…the desired answer. “Yes, you may have a son.”

Are you struggling to understand what God is doing in your life or for America’s future? Remember Zechariah. The smoke clouding his vision was coming from his faithful service, but be assured God can read that smoke! He understands the silent cry of your heart as well as the needs of the nation. In His timing, He will attend to both.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 20:2-7