Unbelief is equally a lack of faith. When we allow unbelief to ruin our faith in God through Christ, it becomes something that will hinder us from moving forward in life. unbelief should not be allowed at this moment in our lives. We can think of different possible escape in a danger, our eyes could be opened to escape route when there is danger but lack of faith will stop us from taking the step to move to safety. Lack of faith is the leading cause of backwardness in the lives of many people. We must do whatever it takes to stop lack of faith in our lives, we must also tell God to help us do away with the spirit of unbelief in our lives.
John 3:18, NKJV “He who believes in Him is not condemned, but he who does not believe is condemned already because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
We are familiar with the story of Peter, one of the disciples of Jesus Christ. They were in the boat when they saw a figure that looks like a human being walking towards them. they did not believe it was a man because no one will ever walk on water so they believed it was a ghost. They were terrified, Jesus talked to them not to be afraid. Peter told Jesus to command him to walk on water also; Jesus did and he began to walk on water. Along the way, the storm became great, unbelief crept into the heart of Peter and he doubted. The doubt in his heart made him sink. Matthew 14.
In this same way, many Christians, when they go through the storms of life, they stop believing in the power that is above all powers. They look at the storms of life and they begin to sink. Unbelief is not what will make us succeed in this life but makes us see the way and refuse to take it. Jesus said in John 14:6 that “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” the pathway to success, to prosperity, to long life, fulfilled life have been stated in the bible by Jesus Himself but people will still seek to succeed by their power which is bound to fail.
God is against unbelief. The bible talked about people who have no faith. Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” If without faith, no one can please God, then whatever that person does, God will not be pleased.
From the Bible text, one of the things that will happen to people who do not believe is that they will be condemned. To be condemned means that there will be rejected in the last days. To be condemned also means they will be punished for their unbelief. One biblical example of the one did not believe the word of God is the father of John the Baptist, Zechariah. An angel appeared to him and told him that his wife Elizabeth would conceive. Zechariah doubted it and for this reason, he was punished immediately. Luke 1:20 “But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.” If we do not believe the words of God, then His word does not abide in us. John 5:38.
There are words of promises in the bible that the Lord has spoken to His people – to get part of these promises or to get them to work for us, we need to start believing in those words. Claiming the promises of the Lord requires faith, a heart that believes at all times.
Reflection questions
Am I doubting God in my heart?
How have I allowed unbelief in my heart?
Am I trying to get things done on my own or am I trying to rely on God’s words?
Who am I believing?
Prayer of the day.
Heavenly Father, I have always think of the ways to please you, I want to claim the promises you have given us in your word, and I want to stand against the spirit of unbelief in my life. I trust that you alone can help me achieve all of these because I believe in you alone. If there are occasions that I have doubted you and refuse to believe in your word because of the situation I was facing, I pray that you forgive me and help me to trust you more in my life. Amen.