FAITH CAPSULE:Are you attempting or not wanting to move in the direction of God’s word?

Genesis 19:1-26, Luke 1:1-38
 
Linger is defined as: To remain or stay on in a place longer than is usual or expected, as if from reluctance to leave; to dwell in contemplation. Going by the definition, it is safe to consider lingering as lack of faith.
A certain priest named Zacharias subjected himself to lingering because he did not believe. His wife, Elizabeth was barren and they were both well advanced in age. When it was time for God to answer his prayer, an angel of the Lord appeared to him. At the visitation of the angel, Zacharias was troubled, and fear fell upon him. (Luke 1:120) The angel spoke to Zacharias, “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.” (Luke 1:13) Despite the good news, Zacharias, questioned the validity of angel’s message. The angel responded, “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) Zacharias could have received the message and move on waiting for its manifestation rather than questioning in doubt. Evidently, his lack of faith kept him to linger in the temple while people waited for him outside.
The same angel that visited the priest Zacharias also visited Mary with the revelation of the birth of Jesus Christ. Mary, a virgin, had a reason not to believe but she responded with question stating, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” (Luke 1:34) The angel answered Mary’s question by letting her know that the Holy Spirit was going to come upon her. Unlike Zacharias’ lingering reaction to the revelation, Mary reacted with haste. The Bible recorded that she arose and went to into the hill with haste, to where Elizabeth was. (Luke 1:39)
The point here is that lingering is attempting or not wanting to move in the direction of God’s word. It is a demonstration of lack of faiththat leads to self-destruction. The Bible makes us to realize that God is not pleased without faith.
When God revealed His plan to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah to Lot, Lot and is wife had trouble moving in direction of their escape. It is written, “And while he lingered, the men took hold of his hand, his wife’s hand, and the hands of his two daughters, the Lord being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city.” (Genesis 19:16) Could have been that the lingering spirit eventually prompted the wife to look back against the command and became a pillar of salt.
 
Prayer for today:Pray against lingering in every area of your life.