I've had doubts... Big doubts... Wanting to scream at God doubts.
But I don't think this is the same as unbelief.
For, doubt says that I don't understand.
I don't understand something about the circumstances I find myself in.
I don't understand how to reconcile an event with the character of God.
I don't understand a concept described in the bible.
Doubt comes with humility and searching.
Unbelief, on the other hand, says that I won't believe.
Despite what the bible says, I won't believe.
Despite evidence to the contrary, I won't believe.
Despite my experience and the experiences of others, I won't believe.
Unbelief comes with pride and stubbornness.
I believe that God is more than big enough for doubt and welcomes those who hold a healthy balance of faith and doubt.
But, unbelief, just like the out working of all sin and rooted in self-idolatry, declares that we know better than God and place ourselves upon the mantelpiece of our lives.
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