T.D. Jakes at http://www.thepottershouse.org/v2/content/view/196/268/, talks about how Elizabeth was laid up in her house when she was pregnant with John the Baptist. John wasn't moving in her womb and she was afraid that if she moved around too much, it would injure the baby. But when Mary, who was pregnant with Jesus, came over, John lept in her womb. Is it possible that we are affected that much by those who are around us? Shifting gears, TD elects to focus on Zacharias. "Much attention is given to these two women, but I want to talk about Zacharias." He was a priest who went before God to do his duties and he had an encounter with God through and angel called Gabriel. He was in the midst of a huge transition. Sometimes, when we are in the midst of a huge transition, it confuses us because we have to shift from a traditional way of thinking. We can be hard to be around when we are in a major transition because we are confused and trying to find our way. Zacharias is the priest who is about to have a son who is a prophet. A prophet is very different from a priest. How could he train his son? For generations, Zacharias' family had been waiting for a Messiah, but when the time had finally come, it was hard to receive. Even the angel said his prayers had been answered, but Zacharias said he couldn't do it. What do we do when God gives us a challenge and we don't know how to receive it? God doesn't call a board meeting with us when he wants to move in our lives. He doesn't ask our permission. God says, "Surprise, surprise, surprise". TD talks about how he was working out in a gym and lifting weights on a ball. The concept of lifting on a ball is that it forces the lifter to activate his core or his stomach muscles to counter the instability of the ball. This is much like life when we are unstable. We have a tendency to try and maintain control. What do we do when God gives? What do we do when we can't handle it? Zacharias doubted. Look how Doubt is cohabitating with Faith! We have strength to conceive a gift but not the strength to receive it. Sometimes, it takes us a while to catch up with the footprints of the Lord. Who am I now? The rules have all changed. God says he's about to take us to a place where we've never been before. Gabriel told Zacharias that he would not be able to speak until these things had come to pass because of his disbelief. Hold your peace and don't say another Word. Let God lead. Believe. Everything in us has to change if God is changing us, right? The former things have passed away. God will break through the veil and the mediocraty. "Eyes have not seen, nor ears have heard..." Get ready for big changes!!

Luke 1:1-21