Quite a handful of thoughts triggered from half of Luke 1

Zechariah was praying for a child(Luke 1: 12; your prayer has been heard...) in his advance years ( Luke 1:9; they were both well along in years...).

mm..not bad...quite a faith he's having..considering it's quite against the odd to pray for a child when they were well along in years and they were couples who loved God from their heart (Luke 1:6; observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly and were upright in the sight of God... // evidence from the phrasing that it speaks favorably of them. They're not just doing the forms of serving and following laws only, but out of the heart, reveals about their heart for Him.)

So what's the point..they were couples who trusted in God and loved God. Persevered in faith in God with regards to having a child despite their age and at the same time not demanding from God which isn't evident from the way the passage describes and how they were blessed subsequently with John. They continued to walk with God, serving Him out of their heart for God.

Conclusion so far....inspiring..haha..
Reminded: Trust God's goodness and timing. Continue to have faith in Him, continue strongly in our relationship with Him, continue to serve out that relationship with Him.

Surprises...Zec's child is John, who would have a very direct role in God's plan of Jesus.
Zec was just praying for a child but little did he know of God's plan for the child...surprise surprise.

Thoughts..appreciate that our answered prayers could very much be God's plan for something bigger which we could not forsee or perceive. We could only see so much so far, God sees everything ha..

Proverbs that captures me and the joys of reading them..

Proverbs 18:17

The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him.

It's a practical principle from WOG in context of making decision. Even in the way we perceive things. So how?

The first to present his case puts a case from his perspective with all his reasoning, till another comes to offer a possible perspective of things.

It's easy to just be swayed or agree with a subtly lob sided account of a subject matter and it takes discipline and a discerning mind to sieve through the entire account. Hearing the question from another or ourselves questioning the account purposefully, it helps to see a clearer picture of things.

This principle i find personally is very important as we want to show grace and understanding the way Jesus did. It's useful in relationships, views towards issues in life/world/nations, mediating or providing useful help.

For me personally, it is useful in helping me to hold the critical side of me. It helps me to hold back so that i can respond instead of reacting and most see things in a balanced and informed manner. As I go about thinking about this verse, I felt thankful that God gave me this very useful mental framework for He know I badly needed this.

But of course, not forgetting HS's guidance for discernment and wisdom as many times things potentially can be quite well and beyond what i can see, hidden things or facts i did not know or facts overlooked despite the best effort.

In summary, i would again use another proverbs (one of my favorite too) to describe, Proverbs 21:31 (The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.).. Proverbs 18:15 helps me better ready my horse for battle in this particular area while trusting the Lord for the victory.

It definitely helps me move away from this increasingly..

Proverbs 18

² A fool finds no pleasure in understanding
but delights in airing his own opinions.

With a fool, it is harder to find grace, mercy and love....