How Can It Be?

Most of our prayers are rebuttals.

Vocabulary.com states a rebutal is "When two people debate, one of them makes an argument, and the other follows with a rebuttal, which, plainly put, is the "no, you're wrong and this is why" argument." Also, in law, rebuttal is a form of evidence that is presented to contradict or nullify other evidence that has been presented by an adverse party (Wikipedia).

Some of us are not that bold to tell God no but rather we offer a litany of excuses and dismissals to what He had already promised us.

Take the example of Zechariah who questioned the angel when hearing the news his wife will have a child (Luke 1:18). He reasoned that they were past their prime. How can it be? In turn, the angel's rebuttal was Zechariah would be mute until the child was born because he refused to believe the good news (verse 20).

On the other hand we have the example of Mary who is told that though she is a virgin and unmarried will bear a Child. There was a remarkable difference in her response than that of Zechariah. When she asked how can this be (Luke 1:34) she was asking by what means will this be made possible. Again, she was not arguing that it wasn't impossible but through what means will it be made possible? To which the angel responded through the Holy Ghost (verse 35).

When we are fixed and rooted by our human reasoning like Zechariah then we are rebutting God's ability to act on our behalf. In contrast, remember Abraham who believed God that he would have a heir and be a father of many nations to which he was credited as being righteous (Genesis 15:6).

How often do we argue with God to why something isn't the way we see it or want it to be but He patiently in turns provides evidence (rebuttal) to the contrary - not that God is compelled to answer our fleshly desires - but according to His own desire and design.

At times we can state so firmly the reasons to why we struggle - it's in our family history or personal experience with a trail of bad choices as evidence - but still such arguments are root in a spirit of unbelief. Always at the core of unbelief is selfishness the very substance of what makes sin so insidious.

Beloved, yes the Lord wants us to engage in meaningful and purposeful prayer where we may present questions but it should lead us to a place of trust and rest in His ways. We must believe The Lord knows how to satisfy us with an answer we never expected or a response that is beyond our comprehension.

Questions tend to circle back to more questions in an endless and weary cycle but if we release those questions to Him then we will find rest and peace for our troubled minds.

Then we can be open to impossibilities becoming reality just as Mary did - she asked only one question and received a single response. So the matter was settled.

Let us respond as Mary to the angel. "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May your word to me be fulfilled." Then the angel left her. (Luke 1:38 NIV).