God has embedded in me a dread of unbelief. This dread is the result of searching the scriptures for examples of the dire consequences of unbelief. I thank him for revealing to me the harm and ruin caused by unbelief. We believers have taken this matter too lightly, thinking that God overlooks the doubt of those facing great affliction and hard times.
I once thought the Lord should cut some slack to those facing dire situations, like the disciples in a sinking ship in a raging storm. “Lord, they were just human and overwhelmed and afraid. It looked hopeless; theirs was just a human response.” Jesus nevertheless reprimanded the disciples’ meager faith.
Yes, there is a time to weep. We are sometimes overwhelmed or grieving, and we cry, “Where are you, Lord?” Our loving Father understands and is deeply moved by our feelings. He wants us to bring our misery to him.
Yet we dare not linger on our fears and passing doubts. We must “trust in the shadow of his wings” (Psalm 91:4, NKJV). God has no pity for unbelief, and the whole of scripture bears this out. It may sound harsh, but he will not accept any excuses. He grants no other option but faith.
Israel was given ten opportunities to trust God during their crises in the desert, and they failed. The consequence of their unbelief was forty years of hopelessness, confusion and grief. That generation was even forbidden to enter the promised land. God calls unbelief evil. “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12).
What causes unbelief? In my experience, it is mostly the result of neglecting God’s Word. Faith is impossible without a constant input of scripture and a clinging to the promises. He says to feed daily on his Word, pray with confidence and believe with all your heart that God loves you.
Whatever you are going through, God promises to be with you. Today, take a stand and start trusting. Your unbelief changes nothing, but faith opens the door to deliverance.
“Oh, how great is your goodness, which you have laid up for those who fear you, which you have prepared for those who trust in you in the presence of the sons of men” (Psalm 31:19)!