Deuteronomy 1 -- Doubt vs. Unbelief

Moses began retelling the history of the Exodus to those who’d been children, or not even been born, when the events first took place.  It was important that they understand why they hadn’t already been living in the land for 38 years.  Moses pointed to their original request to send spies to reconnoiter the land.  God knew what was there, but they didn’t trust him and had to see it for themselves.  They should have know that “the will of God would not lead them where the grace and power of God could not keep them.”

Moses asked God about the proposed spy mission.  God knew how weak they felt, so He granted their request, “accommodating Himself to their condition,” my commentary said.  “However, doing God’s permissive will isn’t quite the same as obeying  His Good, acceptable, and perfect will.  When God lets us have our own way, it’s a concession on His part that should make us walk in fear and humility … Because there’s always the danger that we’ll become proud and self-confident and start telling God what to do!  Dong God’s express will is the safest course because God never makes a mistake.  Sometimes our desires and God’s concessions combine to produce painful disciplines,” my commentary added.

“There’s a difference between unbelief and doubt.  Unbelief is a matter of the will.  It causes people to rebel against God and say, ‘No matter what the Lord says or does, I will not believe and obey!”  Doubt, however, is a matter of the heart and the emotions; it’s what people experience when they waver between fear and faith.  The doubter says, ‘Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!’  God seeks to encourage doubters and help them believe, but all He can do with rebels is bring judgment.”

Father, I don’t want to rebel against You and Your will.  And I know at times I will have doubts.  Thanks for showing me the difference.  Please remind me that anytime You accommodate me because of my doubts, I’m settling  for less than Your best.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford