God answers us, though we sometimes do not like His response. Take ‘WAIT!’ for example. We ask for something. His response, whether spoken or implied, could be ‘WAIT!’. Our response to that is often to ignore it and continue asking for an answer–the answer we want to hear.

Though some will not like this message today, it is the truth. They may prefer a formula that is going to “move God’s hand” to get what they want. I have heard teachers and preachers suggest to people how to do it (“move God’s hand”). They will have to get that elsewhere if they want it because I despise (intensely dislike) that phrase.

This is why I dislike it so much: This teaching is essentially saying, “Here, let me tell you how to manipulate God.” Do you see how it sounds when you say it that way? Is that really what you want to do or even think you could do? Do you want your way so badly that you are willing to attempt to manipulate God to get it?

It does not work. Never has, never will. We should not attempt to get our way with God by manipulation or any other inappropriate manner. We do not “move God’s hand”; He moves us when the time is right–then, and only then! Our relationship with Him must be founded on humility. Either it is, or we do not have a relationship.

In today’s Scripture passage, Gabriel announces to Zechariah that he will have a son. And Zechariah does … what? (This is, by the way, part of the traditional Christmas story foretelling the birth of John, who was to precede Jesus.)

Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” The angel answered, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time.” (Luke 1:18-20 NIV)

Think about this: A very high-ranking angel who stands in the presence of God in His throne room is standing before him, making this announcement. Zechariah, in Gabriel’s presence, demands proof. Really? “Hey, Zac, doesn’t the angel in front give you a clue that this is legit?” I suppose it didn’t.

So, Zechariah’s ability to speak was taken away until after baby John was born. “Proof enough, Zac? Want to go two for two?” Who knows but that Elizabeth was relieved. Quieter around the house, anyway. I jest, of course, but it could have been … maybe?

We seldom have angels visiting us, delivering personal messages from God today. Daniel got a visit from Gabriel. A few others did. And while it could still happen, it is unlikely. God does still communicate with us in other ways.

Full disclosure, we have something greater than Daniel, Zechariah, Moses, or any other who heard from God: We have the Holy Spirit as an inseparable part of us. “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” (John 14:16-17 NIV)

God does not need to send messengers when He is now an inseparable part of us. Make sense? The responsibility, however, is now on us to develop such a relationship that we can recognize Him when He communicates. This is where most fall short.

It is also God’s grace to communicate with us this way. How so? Take Zac: What he was told was crystal clear. When he doubted Gabriel, the consequence was instant, instant as in while Gabriel was still standing in front of him. Is that what you want?

On the other hand, in the way God communicates now, we may not perceive it as distinctly, but neither are the consequences so severe or instant (in most cases). This is God’s grace to us. Otherwise, the world may be a much quieter place.

This is the bottom line: God still communicates. No question about that. Whether by angel or in your spirit, be open to His answers even when they are not what you want to hear–and even if His response is ‘WAIT!’. If it is, then wait; wait as long as you have to. But wait, knowing that He is asking you to wait for your own good.