Save the Turtles, Silence the Gnats

Introduction to 24 Day Devotional ‹  (Clicking this video link will redirect you to YouTube)

Welcome Friends! This marks the beginning of a 24 day devotional, studying the Gospel of Luke. I hope we will engage with each other through prayer, testimonials, and encouragement. Thank you for taking this journey with me.                                                          ~Torrie

Day One Bible Reading: Luke 1:1-80

Focus Scripture– Luke 1:20  “And behold, you will be silent 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 time.”

This morning I saved a turtle’s life. No, I didn’t give it mouth to mouth but I saw it on the road, picked it up, and placed it in a safer area. He looked back at me and I felt his gratitude. With a smile on my face and warmth in my heart, I walked away… SMACK!!! I killed the gnat that was flying around my face. Yep, I saved the turtle and “silenced” the gnat. Why??? Well, the obvious reason; gnats get into places they shouldn’t!! Buzzing around eyes and ears, they are annoying little… buzzers. GASP!! I shocked myself with my thoughts. I reacted with compassion for the turtle and annoyance to the gnat. (Something I could control, versus what I could not.) We don’t always understand the bigger picture; so we question it and may react poorly. I recognized my need to be mindful of my impulses and even though it was a gnat it showed me how quick emotions change.

Luke 1:13-17 The angel Gabriel came to give Zacharias good news. His prayers being were answered! Not only was he going to have a son but this child would grow up and announce the coming of the long-awaited Savior of the world. But, Zacharias smacked down this wonderful news with his questions and doubts. Through the angel Gabriel, God responded to Zacharias by silencing him. Zacharias’ posture was in need of change, he needed to slow down. God’s divine timing was at hand and Zacharias was unaware of the glorious miracle that was about to take place.

Have you ever worked with an architect, event designer, or watched a conductor direct a group of singers or musicians? One of their talents is seeing and understanding the completed picture. The coördinator assigns duties to his colleagues, as part of the process. If we doubt or question the assignment we may find ourselves demoted to looking for a specific shade of paled turquoise tile, balloons, or bow ties instead of interacting with the main group. The “busy work” given to us, because of our doubt, could usher in a time of self-reflection. We could grow more trusting to those in charge and/or those entrusted by the Master Coordinator, God.

Zacharias’ words demoted him. He was part of an intricately woven master plan but questioned the authority and ability of God. He was unable to celebrate until John was born. His season of reflection made the wonder of this miraculous event even more powerful and historic. God’s arrival in human form was something to behold, a prophecy fulfilled. But He had to work around His created humans…He often has to work around us. 

Whether we meet turtles crossing the road or gnats that fly around us, we are responsible for what we feel, say, or do. Will we react in understanding, doubt, or annoyance? Let’s be careful not to quickly dismiss or smack down the events in our lives simply because we can not see the immediate usefulness. God’s plan defines us, we all serve a purpose in His WILL being done. How much involvement we have may depend on God being able to trust us.

~ Torrie

Discussion Questions:

1. What am I idly praying for?
2. Am I living out my purpose in God’s plan or have I given myself “busy” work?
3. Has God rendered me silent in an area I wanted to celebrate because I doubted Him?

A Few Points:

1. Luke introduces himself and gives an explanation for writing his Gospel. Luke 1:1-4
2. Zacharias and Elizabeth are ready for retirement and had been praying for a child of their own. Luke 1:5-10
3. Zacharias offers prayer in the temple and is visited by the angel Gabriel. Luke 1:11-12
4. Zacharias doubts the validity of God’s answer to his long cried for prayer and as a result struck silent. Luke 1:18-20
5. Mary is visited by the same angel Gabriel and told she will be the one to bring Christ into this world. Luke 1:26-38
6. Joseph threatens to leave Mary, but is stopped by God. Matthew 1:18-25
7. Mary visits Elizabeth and enjoys meaningful fellowship with her relative. Luke 1:39-56
8. Elizabeth gives birth to John and Zacharias is able to speak. Luke 1:57-64

© Torrie Slaughter, Torrie Slaughter Photography, and http://www.ourgivenpurpose.com 2018-2048. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Torrie Slaughter, Torrie Slaughter Photography, and http://www.ourgivenpurpose.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.