God does His work effortlessly. God spoke – and there it was (see the Creation account). He has all power. So when God doesn’t exercise His power, what is His reason?

“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” - Romans 11:33

Coupling this verse with James 1:5 whets our desire for God’s wisdom.

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

From Scripture, we gather five possible causes of God’s apparent inaction, though there may be other reasons. Over the next few weeks, we’re going to explore these inner and outward hindrances to God’s will in our lives.

Let’s take a look at the first.

I. Sometimes God doesn’t move on our behalf because of our unbelief (Matt. 13:58; Jam. 1:6-7).

This often is inwardly cultivated in our thoughts: Is God concerned? Is He willing? Is He able?

Belief is the shoulders upon which faith stands.

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him; for he that cometh must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

Believe God’s existence.

Believe God’s character – give Him the benefit of the doubt.

Believe God’s Word.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

Faith is like radar that sees through the fog — the reality of things at a distance that the human eye cannot see. Corrie ten Boom

When your faith is wavering, pray Mark 9:24.

“Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief.”

And remember Jesus’ promise:

“If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.”

Donald Stamps expounds on this thought:

The prayer of faith must be based upon the will of God; it never asks for anything foolish or wrong. 

Our belief is not based on our own faith or merit. It is based on a holy, righteous God who cannot lie. What did Hebrews 11:6 say? We must believe that God is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

God is, according to Isaiah 43, our Creator, our Redeemer, the Lord our God, the Holy One of Israel, our Savior. Would we ask him to be anything more than this, before we admit in our hearts that he can be trusted? Elisabeth Elliot (God’s Guidance)

Think about it:

~ Do present circumstances undermine God’s character in your eyes? Surround your thoughts with the truth of God’s Word.

~ Does the Lord think evil toward those whose faith is shaking?

~ Does God reward whose who diligently seek Him? What can you do right now to strengthen your faith in God?

When we believe, we’ll naturally take it a step further, Petition. Stay tuned.