“It’s impossible! I can’t do it.” I’m just a ordinary person; I can’t be like him or her.” We often voice our doubt or inability to take on a certain task. Some discouraging words will come out of our mouth because we can’t see beyond our vision and circumstances. Similarly, it happened to Zechariah the priest when he was serving God in the Temple, burning incense in the Lord’s presence. An angel of God appeared to Zechariah and said to him, “God has heard your prayer and your wife will bear a son for you.” Zechariah and his wife both were both advanced in years (very old). He replied to the angel, “How can I know this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years” (Luke 1:18). Because of his disbelief and doubt, the angel made him unable to speak until the child was born.

We tend to say something discouraging or even destructive words to demoralize our spirit and decrease our faith. God made Zechariah mute until he saw the promise fulfilled so that he wouldn’t cause discouragement. Next time when we are lack of confidence or faith, if we can’t have pep talks, at least we keep silent. Do not sin against God with our mouth.