The Cost of Doubt in the Face of Faith – Capt. Dale Black

What happens when God is responding to faith with an answer to prayer, and runs into doubt? Do you want to move beyond simply praying, to seeing your prayers answered? Let’s look at a powerful example from Scripture that teaches us about faith, belief, and the power of our words. There is a cost to doubt in the face of faith.

In Luke 1:5-14 (NKJV), we meet Zacharias, a priest serving in the temple in Jerusalem, and his wife, Elizabeth. The Bible tells us that they were righteous before God but had no children because Elizabeth was barren. Both were well advanced in years, and by human standards, their chances of having a child seemed impossible. Which brings me to think of God’s words: “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

One day, as Zacharias was burning incense in the temple, an angel of the Lord appeared to him. Understandably, he was afraid, but the angel brought him astonishing news: “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.”

Imagine hearing these words after years of waiting. God had heard Zacharias’ and Elizabeth’s prayers, and the answer had already been set in motion. The angel continued: “For he (your son) will be great in the sight of the Lord… He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.” John the Baptist’s mission was clear—he would prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah, Jesus. What an astonishing answer to prayer Zacharias and Elizabeth were in the process of receiving.

A Response of Doubt
Despite this incredible announcement, Zacharias questioned the answer to his prayers by doubting the angel’s message. “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.” Some might see this as a reasonable question. After all, he had prayed for years with no answer in sight. But doubt had settled in as his prayer seemed more and more impossible by natural standards. Elizabeth had only aged further since their request. The answer seemed less likely now than ever.

Fortunately, God is not limited by statistics or what is natural according to the world’s standards. But God was concerned with Zacharias’s response.

What was God’s perspective? The angel responded with authority: “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their own time.” (Luke 1:19-20, NKJV)

Did you catch that? “Because you did not believe my words.” God has given us His Word in the Bible and through the Holy Spirit, but too often we still doubt when the answer doesn’t arrive when we think it should or the way we expect. Zacharias’ doubt had consequences—he lost his ability to speak until the prophecy was fulfilled. Why loss of ability to speak? Because words carry power for good or evil.

What’s the significance of this consequence? Could it be that his words had the power to hinder God’s plan? It’s a sobering thought. God desired to answer their prayers, which had been prayed in faith. But Zacharias still had questions… he doubted and questioned that God could and would truly answer. From my perspective, knowing the power of spoken words, it appears that Zacharias’s ability to sabotage God’s answer was removed until the answer was delivered.

The Power of Belief
John the Baptist was destined to prepare the way for Jesus. Nothing would interfere with God’s purpose—not even the words of his father, Zacharias. Meanwhile, Elizabeth responded differently. Instead of doubt, she received the promise with gratitude.

So what can we learn from this?

1. God’s Word is unshakable. His promises do not depend on our circumstances. Heaven and earth will pass away, but His Word remains forever.
2. Faith matters. When God speaks, our response should be trust, not doubt.
3. Words have power. Zacharias’ doubt silenced him. What we speak—faith or unbelief—affects our lives and the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Are you speaking in faith over your prayers? Are you thanking God in faith for your answer before you see it? Do you believe what God has said? Your words and your actions are a reflection of your faith. As a response to what you believe in your heart, expect to see God’s promises come to life in your own journey of faith.

Here’s my challenge for you: Take a good, accurate translation of the Bible and meditate on it daily. Hold onto the promises God has for you and believe them. Have hope and belief that God’s Word is true. Always remember that God wants good things for you—He is a good God with good plans for His people.

But don’t just believe—speak God’s promises out loud. Let your own ears hear His Word, over and over again. This is how you plant His promises deep into your heart. Repetition brings revelation. If you can, go a step further—read God’s Word while speaking it. Seeing and hearing together is a powerful way to place God’s truth into your heart.

And then—act in faith. What is faith? Faith is acting on what you believe.

Do you want to change your life? Do you want to move from simply praying prayers, to seeing prayers answered? Use hope, belief, and faith together, and watch the power of heaven come to earth. See your prayers not just heard, but answered.

This is Dale Black, reminding you—that with God, nothing is impossible!

Dale and Paula Black