When the angel of the Lord told the aged priest he was to have a son who would preach in the spirit of Elijah the coming of the Messiah, Zechariah asked for proof, “How can I be sure of this?” (Luke 1:18) He was seeking a sign, and his doubt stilled his tongue for nine and a half months—until the birth of John the Baptist.

Mary was different. When she was told she would bear in her womb the King of Kings, she did not ask for proof. She only asked, “How will this be since I have not known a man?” (Luke 1:34) In this is a lesson: we should never doubt the promises of God, but it is acceptable and proper to ask God to reveal how he will complete the work he has begun. The story of God’s gift to the world reminds us that God is faithful to his promises and he is willing to share with us his vision and how he will accomplish it.

Over the years, the B.H. Carroll Theological Institute has never asked, “How can we be sure of this?” God has demonstrated time and again his faithfulness to the founding vision of this seminary.