Tag: doubt and unbelief
God Reassures His People
Scripture reading for October 6: Isaiah 43:1-3 “But now thus says the Lord, He Who created you, O Jacob, He Who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”
Matthew 8:25-26 “And they went and woke Him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And He said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?”
Since the fall, God’s people have been plagued by fear that stems from doubt and unbelief. When facing troubles we have the tendency to fear the worst. We forget God and His promises and focus on the trouble instead. But God encourages His people over and over with “Fear not!”
Through Isaiah His prophet, God reminded His people that He had redeemed them from slavery in Egypt. He brought them out from Egypt using a man that stuttered. He led them through the walls of water He had made to cross the Red Sea. His Presence led them and He destroyed their enemy following hard on their heels. He parted the Jordan River for His people at flood stage to enable Joshua lead them into the promised land. In trial after fiery trial, God was with them as their Lord and Savior demonstrating His saving presence.
In the New Testament, Jesus was asleep in a boat with His disciples when a violent storm threatened to swamp the boat and drown them all. They woke Jesus asking for His help. His questioned them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Doubt and unbelief had caused these men who were chosen to follow Jesus to cower in fear in the midst of the sea under the attack of the storm. Jesus rose up and rebuked the wind and the waves, bringing great calm and worship from His disciples as they marveled at God with them in the boat.
Prayer: Father God, forgive me for my lack of faith and doubting Your ability and promises to be with me in the raging storms of life. Why am I afraid? Thank You for reminding us of Your promise to be with me and of Your faithfulness to deliver Your people. Amen.