Life.Church with Craig Groeschel

Episode: Believing God for Mighty Things | He Will Be Called: Part 2
Date: December 14, 2025
Pastor: Robert Madu

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode centers on the power of believing God for mighty and seemingly impossible things, especially in seasons of waiting and contradiction. Pastor Robert Madu unpacks the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, parents of John the Baptist, exploring how their faithfulness intersects with God’s faithfulness—even when circumstances don’t match God’s promises. The message challenges listeners to move from doubt to faith and to respond to God’s word with trust, like Mary, rather than skepticism, like Zechariah.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Power and Test of Consistency (01:28–04:57)

• Opening Reflection: Pastor Robert shares a humorous story about his parents’ 42-year marriage, connecting it to faithfulness and God’s possibilities (01:28).
• Zechariah and Elizabeth’s Example: Luke’s gospel begins the Christmas narrative not with Mary and Joseph, but with the faithful older couple, Zechariah and Elizabeth—highlighting consistent, long-term faithfulness over momentary intensity.
• Quote:
  • “I love people that have consistency, consistency, Life. Church fam. I gotta tell you, I'm not impressed with the couple at the restaurant... Give me that elderly couple, still in the 80s... I love consistent, faithful people.” (04:02)

2. God's Promises vs. Present Circumstances (06:01–08:03)

• Contradiction of Names and Reality: The names “Zechariah” (God remembers) and “Elizabeth” (His oath) collectively mean “God remembers his promise,” yet their circumstances—being childless—directly contradict this declaration.
• Cultural Context: In biblical times, barrenness was severely stigmatized, sometimes seen as punishment for sin.
• Encouragement: Pastor Robert challenges listeners to live by God’s declarations, not the world’s whispers, even when reality seems to oppose God’s promises.

3. God Moves in the Ordinary (08:10–09:41)

• Divine Interruption on an Ordinary Day: Zechariah is chosen by lot to serve in the temple—a rare honor among 20,000 priests. A seemingly regular day becomes extraordinary when Gabriel the angel appears.
• Quote:
  • “I have found that God will be mighty often in the ordinary.” (08:10)

4. Our Response to Disappointment and the Promise (10:19–12:48)

• Zechariah’s Doubt: Despite angelic visitation, Zechariah responds with skepticism: “How can I be sure this is going to come to pass?” (11:11)
• Spiritual Age vs. Chronological Age: Pastor Robert discusses how disappointment and cynicism can age us spiritually, regardless of our physical age.
• Quote:
  • “You know you're old in spirit when you no longer believe God is able to do the impossible... I am convinced that there are some old people that are young and there are some young people that are old.” (11:52)

5. Childlike Wonder vs. Childishness (12:48–14:45)

• Contrasting Attitudes: Jesus calls believers to faith like a child—wondering, wowed by God’s power—not childishness, which expects much but gives little.
• Quote:
  • “Childish is immaturity. Expect everything, give nothing. Childlike is the faith-filled wonder to believe that a mighty God can still do the impossible.” (14:13)

6. Mary vs. Zechariah: How We Respond to God’s Word (14:45–17:13)

• Two Encounters, Different Responses: Both Zechariah and Mary question Gabriel. Zechariah asks for proof; Mary seeks understanding.
• Outcomes: Zechariah is silenced; Mary receives further explanation.
• Application: Pastor Robert urges us to model Mary’s “Let it be to me, according to your word” response, trusting in God’s ability even when we don’t know the details.
• Quote:
  • “When God gives you a promise, don't let doubt be the first thing to come out of your mouth, because God often will have to silence the doubt, even when it comes from you.” (16:27)

7. God Moves—But We Must Move, Too (17:13–18:33)

• God’s Part & Our Part: The miracle is not just God’s doing; human participation is needed. Zechariah must act in faith for Elizabeth to conceive.
• Modern Parallel: We ask God for jobs, but must also fill out the application.
• Quote:
  • “Some of you are waiting on a mighty God to move, but actually, he's waiting on you to do your part.” (18:33)

8. Importance of Faith Community (19:04–19:56)

• Mary and Elizabeth: Their connection illustrates the power of mutual encouragement in believing God for big things.
• Finding Support: Get around others who will affirm, not diminish, your faith.
• Quote:
  • “You need some friends that when you say halle, they say luya.” (19:47)

9. Testimony: Pastor Robert’s Ministry Experience (21:18–21:31)

• Personal Example: Pastor Robert shares how his Dallas church’s journey to securing a building has tested and strengthened his faith that “God can do it,” echoing the message’s theme.

10. Completing the Promise: From Doubt to Faith (22:35–24:14)

• Naming John: Zechariah regains his voice and praises God only when he aligns his words with God’s will.
• Encouragement: Respond to God’s promise with praise, even while waiting for fulfillment.
• Quote:
  • “Just say, let it be to me according to your word, and then start praising until God brings it to pass.” (23:39)

11. Closing Call to Faith (24:14–25:04)

• Encouraging the Church: Pastor Robert concludes by calling listeners to have a “Merry Christmas”—that is, to respond, “Let it be to me according to your word,” confident that God is mighty even when life looks contradictory.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Faithfulness:
  • “Anybody can show up and be faithful for a day. I love people that can be faithful for a decade.” (03:00)
• On the Power of Consistency:
  • “There's something about consistency that gives God an opportunity to show you how mighty he is in your life.” (04:44)
• On Facing Contradiction:
  • “What do you do when your circumstance is contradictory to what God calls you?” (06:01)
• On Spiritual Attitude:
  • “How old are you in your faith to believe that God can do the impossible because he's mighty?” (12:48)
• On Our Response to God:
  • “When God gives you a promise, don't let doubt be the first thing to come out of your mouth.” (16:27)
• On Action & Faith:
  • “He can give you the jobs. You gotta fill out the application. Come on. He can open the door, but you got to take a step and walk through it.” (18:33)

Important Timestamps

• Consistent Faithfulness & Zechariah/Elizabeth Introduced: 01:26–04:44
• Living With Contradiction: 06:01–08:03
• God Moves in the Ordinary: 08:10–09:41
• Zechariah’s Disappointment and Doubt: 10:19–12:48
• The Need for Childlike Faith: 12:48–14:45
• Mary vs. Zechariah: 14:45–17:13
• God’s Part and Our Part: 17:13–18:33
• The Power of Faith Community: 19:04–19:56
• Personal Testimony from Pastor Robert: 21:18–21:31
• Zechariah’s Transformation & Praise: 22:35–24:14
• Final Encouragement—Respond in Faith: 24:14–25:04

Tone and Language

The message is engaging, warm, and humorous, filled with relatable stories, lively audience interaction, and energetic encouragement. Pastor Robert speaks with authenticity, vulnerability, and a clear biblical focus, often using playful language and memorable, rhythmic phrases (“halle-luya,” “let it be to me, according to your word,” “merry Christmas” as a double meaning).

Summary for New Listeners

If you haven’t heard this episode, you’ll walk away with a deep, practical understanding of what it means to believe God for mighty things—even when life seems to suggest otherwise. Through the powerful story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, paralleled with Mary, Pastor Robert Madu encourages listeners to cultivate faith that is steadfast, childlike, and active. The message is a timely reminder—especially in the Christmas season—that God is still mighty, still working, and still worthy of our trust. Respond to His promises not with doubt, but with an open, expectant heart.