Unbelief

As I was doing my devotions this morning several things I was reading really resonated with me. It's an area where I struggle...get it under control...then struggle again. 

I am sure you can relate. 

The first thought that really captured my attention was from Warren Wiersbe, "While it's normal for us to hope for a quick way of escape and important for us to understand our feelings and circumstances, it's far more important to look to God and ask for His help."(emphasis mine)

I have to admit that this stepped on my toes a bit. I chewed on that thought for a few minutes as I have things I want God to fix right away (hello, genie in the bottle?), but at times I forget to look to God and actually ask for His help...I'd rather complain about the problem than go to the one Who could fix it...anybody else struggle with that?!

Anyway, I moved on and kept going when a few minutes later the second thought hit hard, "Unbelief almost always underestimates God and magnifies our personal weakness and problems. Unbelief sees only giants, problems, impossibility and obstacles. Unbelief leaves God out of the equation and never acts or stands firm on the truth of God's Word."-Krista Williams

Ouch...that one stepped harder on my toes and putting these two thoughts together I really felt like there was a huge finger pointing right at me. 

Are their areas of your life that you are only seeing giants and impossibilities? Do the obstacles seem bigger than you are? I hear you. I find myself saying a lot recently, concerning one thing in particular that "I just don't understand how it's going to happen."

Can I just tell you that I am doubting in that area and FORGETTING to stand firm on the truth of God's word! Philippians 4:13 tells me that "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me." IF God wants this situation to happen then He will make it happen. If it doesn't happen then that means that God does not want that particular thing for me in this season of my life. It does not mean that He doesn't care or He did not answer my prayer. 

It means that His will is greater than my wants!

I want to be like like the father in Mark whose son was possessed by an impure spirit who said "I do believe; Lord, help me overcome my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24)

There is a song by FFH  called "Daniel" that started going through my head this morning and it says:

I want to be like Daniel in the Lion's den

Waiting for God's love to save him

I wanna be, I wanna be,

I want to be like Moses when he raised his hands

And all the winds and seas obeyed him

I wanna be, I wanna be

When  I need to drink from that living cup

When I need to fight but I give up

When I need to feel God more and more

I'm reminded of the ones who were here before

I don't know about you, but I want to be like Daniel who was facing impossible odds, but trusted God anyway. I want to be like Moses who was also facing impossible odds but trusted God despite impossible odds. I believe I am more like Jonah who was stubborn and headstrong, running from God first, before trusting that God's way is in fact the right way, and then obeying and trusting God.

What obstacles are you facing today? What giants are standing in your way? Who do you want to be? One who lets unbelief and giants hurl you into the pit of despair? Or one who acknowledges that those giants and struggles are big and real, but my God is BIGGER?

There are many things we will never understand this side of heaven, but can I encourage you that if you trust in the one true God, He will never leave you nor forsake you. He will provide all you need, not all you want. His ways are not our ways.