Doubt God's Word?

Even righteous people occasionally doubt God’s Word. Zecharias was such a man, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. (Lk. 1:6b NKJV)

Then one day, as he fulfilled priestly duties in the temple, an angel appeared to Zecharias, telling him, your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. (v. 13b)Furthermore, the child would be unusual, set apart by God for a special purpose.

But both Zecharias and Elizabeth were old—too old to have a baby—and Elizabeth had been barren their entire marriage. Zecharias questioned the message. That was when the angel pronounced a hard saying: you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe . . . . (v. 20a)

Perhaps it was all part of the master plan. People understood that something unusual had happened when Zecharias could not talk—that he might have seen a vision. When Zacharias received his voice again—and immediately prophesied about his son and about the coming Messiah—they knew God was at work.

Originally published December 15, 1989.
Picture: Wild flowers, Minnesota Lake Country, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Living in Anticipation

Anticipation can be almost as good as the actual event or item we wait for. That’s one reason why we love the Christmas season. The extended period of joyful expectation is half of the fun.

Strangely, even when anticipations are tempered by doubt or fear—or when prospects appear negative—we fare better than when we live with no expectations. The things we anticipate give shape and meaning to daily events. They provide direction and purpose.

The Israelites lived in anticipation—they waited centuries for their Messiah. And while they waited, God spoke to them through the prophets. The book of Isaiah tells us, He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arms, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young. (Is. 40:11 NKJV)

Perhaps the Israelites failed to see the promises were with them all the time. When they walked in doubt or fear, God gave them hope. When they sinned and faced judgment, He directed their vision beyond their circumstances to the joy of receiving forgiveness. Walking in God’s promises requires trust. The Israelites needed to believe that He loved them and to anticipate that He would move in their lives.

Originally published December 11, 1992

Mercy for Doubters

Unbelief—doubting God’s Word—is an underlying cause of sin and it plagues everyone at times.

Thomas' doubt is a familiar story, but doubt is a deep-seated problem that affects every aspect of a Christian’s life. In an entirely different setting, Jesus did not rebuke the boy’s father who cried, “I believe, help me overcome my unbelief.” (Mk. 9:24b NIV) Is this not the cry of all human hearts at times?

After Jesus’ death, His disciples acknowledged and addressed problems stemming from unbelief. Verse 22 of the short book of Jude reads, Be merciful to those who doubt. . . . (NIV)

Honest doubters can become honest seekers. When we doubt, if we approach our struggles with open hearts, we can experience God’s mercy. He helps us face our doubt and leave it behind. Then we can turn to Him in faith.

Praise God for mercy.

Originally published July 22, 1983

People Who Love Him

Thomas had trouble believing Jesus was resurrected from the dead. When the other disciples insisted Jesus had appeared to them, Thomas declared, “Except I see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.” (Jn. 20:25b KJV)

A graphic statement of resistance and unbelief. And yet, Thomas loved Jesus and he couldn’t get past his desire to be with Jesus—he even wanted to be with the other disciples as all of them struggled to find their way in their strange new circumstances.

Jesus knew about Thomas’ statement of unbelief, but He also knew Thomas’ heart. And Jesus goes out of His way to reveal Himself to people who love Him.

When Jesus came to the group again, Thomas was present. Then Jesus spoke directly to Thomas. “Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side, and be not faithless, but believing.” (v. 27)

Thomas, emotionally overcome by the encounter, answered and said unto Him, “My Lord and my God.” (v. 28b) His unbelief was shattered by a Word from God.

Originally published May 12, 1989.
Picture: Roses, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2008. Photo by Solveig.