Do you ever feel led by God, but then question His will? I confessed this to a dear friend while walking and chatting, who gently reminded me, “If you’re in His word and praying, trust God’s leading your thoughts by His Spirit.” Yes, true, but I asked myself, how can I be sure?
That morning, I read about a heavenly man who appeared to Ezekiel during the exile of God’s people and showed him a plan for a new temple. He said, “Look, listen!” (Ez. 40:4). In a vision, the man brought the prophet to the temple where a stream flowed toward the east. (Historically, water signified life, growth and hope). At first the water rose ankle-deep, then knee-deep, coolness climbed up to his waist, and eventually the river swelled until Ezekiel lifted off his feet and swam! God wanted to flood the land and His people with abundance and fruitfulness. His blessing started small, but ended with over flowing bounty.
I had lost that sense of gladness. Then, I realized my unbelief held me back from God’s blessing. Previously, I believed God had shown me His way, but life got busy, I hadn’t spent time in the word as I wanted. Consequently, my lack of confidence caused me to lose my footing, doubting my needful act of obedience which resulted in my loss of joy.
As I wrote in my journal, I confessed my unbelief. “Lord, Jesus, forgive my lack of faith. I want to open my heart to You and immerse in the flowing waters within me.” Just then, the ink in my pen stopped flowing. I scribbled circles on the page but my pen, still full of ink, dried up. Ah! Lord, a sense of humor? A practical illustration? The Spirit whispered, “Nothing’s accomplished in your own strength but all is done through the power of Him within you. Then, I remembered Jesus saying….
Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said,
streams of living water will flow from within him. ~ Jn. 7:38 (NIV)
There it was. The answer. Jesus Himself. When I immerse myself in quiet communion with His life and His word, unbelief flees and blessing remains.
Belief brings us to obedience and the blessing of God. Within this transforming truth, I am able to live out God’s will with confidence. His rich resources surround me by His Spirit producing hope.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…~Eph. 3:21
Where Does Unbelief Get You Down? Jesus, I often get caught in unbelief and life seems dreary. Prompt me to recognize where I lack trust in You. Teach me to hear Your voice, to renew my commitment to Your word and restore my faith in Your abundant presence.
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