1. Because you did not believe (18-22)

When the angel Gabriel who stands in the presence of God, told Zechariah that he would have a son, he couldn't believe it--even though he had prayed for a son. He lived an upright life; he prayed and studied the Bible and never missed worship service. He thought he had faith, but in fact, he had become fatalistic. He didn't believe that God could change his situation. So God gave him 'silence training' for nearly a year. Even devout men of God sometimes need to be trained in faith.

2. Elizabeth's joy (23-25)

By faith Elizabeth had accepted her barrenness, and she lived as though she had no problems. But when she became pregnant with John, 'God's gift,' she revealed how deeply this problem had affected her. She praised God for his favor and for taking away her disgrace. God's blessing changed her from a barren woman to a fruitful woman.

Application: Lord, thank you for your training in faith. And thank you for your grace and favor, which still makes barren people fruitful.
One Word: God disciplines those he loves