Breaking the Chains--Unbelief

In meditating on the power of unbelief, I have come to some thoughts that are worthy of note.  The one person who has walked this earth without unbelief is Jesus.  He was amazed at the unbelief in people, especially those who walked with Him, listened to Him and saw the works He did.

My husband preached a sermon (years ago!) on Belief, Unbelief and Disbelief.  He says many times that we may come to a place where we have no "disbelief", but it is rare for anyone to arrive to a height of no "unbelief".  The measure of unbelief we have differs as we grow spiritually.  There are many reasons for this.  The knowledge of God, Jesus, the Word of God and the working of the Spirit brings changes to your spirit and soul.  These changes are evident in your character and personality.  The major change is the change from self awareness to God awareness.  You also begin to exchange your idea (opinion!) of a God with your limitations to an awareness of the might and majesty of the unlimited, eternal Jehovah.

We can measure the degree of unbelief in us by seeing our reactions to circumstances, people and teachings.  Being able to hold all of these with an open hand is the measure of our faith in God.  Let us look at these singly.  We see the reaction of the disciples to a storm in Mark 4:37-41.  Undoubtedly, this storm, in a sea with sudden storms with which  they were well acquainted, must have been very severe to cause them such a degree of terror that they thought they were perishing.  They were more concerned with the boat they were in than Who was in the boat.  They appreciated and believed in Jesus, but their knowledge of "Who" was limited and did not exceed their knowledge of storms.  You can put any storm in your life, physical, fiinancial or emotional, and weigh it against your knowledge of God and check your reaction.

People are another source of a reaction of unbelief.  When you work with people, or have relatives or friends, who consistently reject your efforts to help them toward peace with God or with some person or persons, you begin to have a reaction of unbelief.  This is most marked within marriages.  The faults that become objects of criticism seem impossible obstacles.  The unbelief in God's power to change causes reactions that divide.  It is what happens in church families also.  The unbelief in people is transferred to God and you begin to feel prayer is useless.

Finances become a devestating storm when there seems to be no hope.  But remember Jesus said, "I will never leave you!"  He is in the boat.  His covenant word is to protect and provide.  Trust Him.  He is able!  The last one I want to leave with you is "teachings".  From the time of Martin Luther until today, the Light has been growing brighter and will continue to do so until the fullness of His day.  If a teaching seems wrong, pray about it.  It does not mean we have to be gullible in order to be open.  Because you are hesitant at first does not mean you cannot accept a Truth later.  But it is not with our minds but our spirit that accepts God's Word of righteousness.  If the teaching appeals to the mind, hold it with an open hand and let God witness to it.  His Spirit will lead you into all Truth and God will never give you anything false.