“He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.”~ Romans 4: 20-21

When you read the story of the Israelites, you may wonder why they still doubted, even with all the mighty signs and wonders God performed in their midst. He constantly showed up for them, provided for them, and fulfilled His promises. Time and again, they cried out to God, and He listened to their cries. Yet, the moment things became uncomfortable or unpleasant, they quickly rebelled against God, taking back their faith and replacing it with doubt.

How can you doubt a God who fed you throughout your time in the wilderness? A God who saved you time and time again? They had literal, visual encounters with God. For example, in Exodus 13:21-22, it says, “And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people.” They had physical evidence that God was real and with them, yet when push came to shove, they still rebelled.

Can we look inward and reflect on all the times we might have acted like the Israelites, the Lord’s firstborn? Doubt has the ability to truncate what we ought to receive through faith. For this reason, we need to be careful not to allow unbelief to settle in our spirits. Not only do we increase the chances of losing what we ought to receive, but we also downplay the authority of God.

Of course, the devil is constantly working overtime, whispering words that stir up doubt. When this happens, practice canceling those words with scriptures or God’s promises to you. Stand firm on what the Lord has ministered to you. God is not a man that He should fail or lie.

Prayer: Lord, please help my unbelief. Strengthen my faith in You, no matter how hard it may be.