What's the deal with Unbelief dealing with you? We're investing so much time reading scripture, praying, and fasting- yet you walk away with secret doubts in your heart. I know they are there because I have them too. It was not until hearing a recent sermon that the Lord called out the core of my unbelief in his ability to deliver on the word that he'd given me. The truth is that it was rooted in fear and disappointment. Somewhere along the line I settled in my heart and mind that I'd rather hold on to my emotion about a thing, rather than take "a chance" on God's word, that He can, in fact, do "exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us" as it says in Ephesians 3:20.
If this is true, then in order for Him to amaze me with the promise, it's up to me, or the power at work in me. In what ways am I hindering that power from flowing or working in my life as it should? How is my unbelief, in my mind and my heart holding me back? The answer can be found in scripture, "as a man thinketh, so is he". Unbelief is still belief, its just belief that something will NOT happen. So if I don't believe it, I'm still exercising the power at work in me; exercising my lack of faith. So it's up to me to change my thinking, which will change my belief system, and my actions accordingly.
Where did all this unbelief come from? I have always considered myself someone who trusts God and was willing to do whatever He said, probably a lot more willing than most when it comes to walking by faith, but only because God has always shown up whenever I have. However, in this season, me showing up has required more, more stretching and capacity building of my faith. I have to do more than just be, I have to believe in my heart without a doubt. I have to wake up and do the actions that align with the faith that I say I have even when the circumstances don't match, yet. This is what faith, "the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not yet seen." It's all challenging because we live in a world of "seeing is believing", but God's way is the exact opposite.
This is how I know that they backdrop of faith is not always pretty. It takes you on twists and turns, on volun-told journeys that you'd rather sit out of. It takes you to the back side of the mountain and it's not fun or fair. It feels like there is no favor, and you're left to pick up the pieces. What do you do when your faith feels dry and desperately needs reviving. You pray to the God of revival to send you a personal refreshing, that refocuses your heart, heals your mind, and keeps you in the right place. This type of refreshing extinguishes doubt and unbelief. It offers a balm to dry and cracked situations.
For those of you who are feeling the wait of unbelief at work in your life; this doesn't surprise God nor does it upset him. He is waiting on you to give him the thing that you no longer want. He's waiting on you to ask for help- "Help my unbelief". You are a healer, you are a provider, you are a way-maker, you are a protector, you are the beginning and the end, nothing gets by you, you are faithful and consistent. So I trust that you will do what you promised. Periodt.