#1407. Luke 1:18–25 - The Lord has done this for me (12/12/25)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional as we continue our Christmas series.

In Luke 1:18–25 we see that God grows our faith through testing, and He keeps His promises in His perfect timing.

To watch this devotional, please select the link below:

1. Faith tested through doubt 

Instead of believing and resting in God’s promise, Zechariah looks at his limitations.We often do the same. We stare at our frailty - age, weakness, fear, past failures - and quietly assume that our limitations are also God’s.

But biblical history tells a different story: Walls fall (Joshua 6), giants topple (1 Samuel 17), seas divide (Exodus 14). God’s power is never constrained by human inability.

Gabriel’s response is firm and gracious:

Because Zechariah doubts, he is disciplined - made unable to speak until the promise is fulfilled. This was not punishment in anger but discipline in love. God uses it to restore faith, not to reject His servant.

When Zechariah finally emerges from the temple speechless, the people instantly recognise that he has seen a vision (1:22). God is already working publicly, confirming His word.

God grows our faith even through failure, but he remains faithful to His promises. 

2. God keeps His promise in His perfect timing

Though Zechariah struggled to believe, God still kept His promise. Elizabeth conceives, and her first response is worship:

She acknowledges God’s kindness, His attention, His compassion. Her shame is lifted, her heart is comforted, and her gratitude overflows.

She speaks of how God has now, “Taken away my disgrace among the people.” For a woman at that time and in that culture, having children was the highest privilege and calling. She felt disgraced by not being able to conceive. 

Although, of course, it’s in no way ‘disgraceful’ for a woman not be be able to conceive - infertility is no shame - however, for Elizabeth, this was a deep desire, for which she is overflowingly grateful to God that He has answered their prayers for a child. 

Response

Elizabeth’s joy reminds us:

• God hears long-prayed prayers.

• God works in hidden seasons as well as visible ones.

• God’s timing is always purposeful and wise.

• Let’s praise God for all the good he does in our lives. 

And for every believer, her words carry a deeper meaning: we can all say,

We can all say this In the sense that in through Christ - through the gospel - we have received ‘favour’ in the place of ‘disgrace’! And we should all be over flowingly aware and grateful for what ‘the Lord has done for [us]’.

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

This week, we begin our Christmas Series - Holy Night.

Our message on Sunday from Luke 2:8-12, was entitled, The Shepherds Were Invited.

This account of the invitation of the shepherds has so much to teach us; particularly, how the gospel invites everyone to come to God, and that everyone needs to come to God through Jesus.

Please read Luke 2:8-12 and discuss:

• Personal Reflection – What struck you, or what did God speak to you about through Sunday’s message?

• Why would it have been surprising that this invitation came, firstly, to the shepherds?

• Why is the coming of Christ 'good news' and 'great joy' for all people?

• How can you and I ensure that we enjoy this good news and joy as we should?

• What does it mean for Jesus to be the 'Saviour'?

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• How do these verses inspire and help us when we think about reaching others with the gospel?

• Share Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.

• Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Are there any ‘people of peace’ (*see note) in your life—those who are receptive to you and spiritual conversation?

Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.

• Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.