Then all of you approached me and said, “Let’s send men ahead of us, so that they may explore the land for us and bring us back a report about the route we should go up and the cities we will come to.” Deuteronomy 1:22 HCSB
God had commanded the Israelites to go to the Promised Land. They had spent two years in the wilderness and were close enough to send spies in to scout out the land God was giving them as their inheritance. In this Scripture passage, Moses is reminding them of what happened with their ancestors in Numbers 13 and 14.
Having faith, in my opinion, is the hardest thing God calls us to do. Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as the reality of what is hoped for and the proof of what is not seen. We are called to believe in what we cannot see. And in verse 6, we are told that without faith it is impossible to please God.
One of the biggest problems the Israelites faced was their lack of faith. They would often grumble and complain because they did not trust God to provide all they needed and to protect them in times of trouble.
I am sad to say that my faith has wavered many times. I have tried to condition myself to recognize when this is happening and correct it, but I must admit this is a work in progress.
Warren Wiersbe pointed out that the first indication of the Israelite’s wavering faith was to seek other people’s advice about what God had called them to do. God had said way back in Genesis to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that this land would be given to their descendants. God had promised this in His covenant with Abraham. There was no question of this. Yet, still, they wanted spies to go in and check out the land.
Ten of twelve scouts reported it being too dangerous to enter. Joshua and Caleb, however, encouraged the people that it was a good land and reminded them that God would fight for them. Their faith failed them, and they refused to enter, and this was the straw that broke the camel’s back as far as God was concerned. Because of their lack of faith in God, God condemned them to wander another 38 years and die in the wilderness. Only Jacob and Caleb from that generation would enter.
So, your faith might be wavering if you find yourself consulting others about what God has already told you to do.
Another sign your faith is wavering is when you forget all God has done for you in the past. These Israelites had seen the miracles God had performed in Egypt. They had seen Him part the Red Sea. They had seen Him rain manna and quail from the sky for them to eat. They had seen Him give them water from a rock, yet they forgot all this and refused to enter the Promised Land.
Your faith is wavering if you consider something God has told you to do to be too difficult or too dangerous. Philippians 4:13 tells us we can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us. If God calls us to do something, you better believe He will give you all the strength and resources needed to get the job done.
When we refuse what God has called us to do because of our own fear, our faith has failed. God calls us not to fear but to be courageous in numerous passages. We are to trust in God and not let our fear overcome our faith.
Your faith is wavering if you don’t trust God to walk with you in hard times and work it all out for your good. We are told in Romans 8:28 that God works all things for the good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
God calls us to do the hard stuff, and doing the hard stuff requires faith in Him. If you feel your faith is wavering, turn to Him. Confess this to Him. He will give you strength.
Have a great day!