What other biblical instances show God addressing disbelief or doubt in His promises? Genesis 18:15—A Laugh Exposed “ But Sarah was afraid, so she denied it and said, ‘I did not laugh.’ ‘No,’ replied the LORD, ‘but you did laugh.’ ” Old-Testament Moments of Questioning and Correction • Abraham under the stars—Genesis 15:2-6 “ ‘O Lord GOD, what can You give me, since I remain childless?’ … ‘Look up at the heavens and count the stars… So shall your offspring be.’ ” • Moses at the burning bush—Exodus 3:11; 4:1,10-12 “ ‘Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh?’ … ‘I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.’ ” • Gideon and the fleece—Judges 6:13-23,36-40 Two miraculous signs turn fear into action. • Elijah in the cave—1 Kings 19:9-18 A gentle whisper and a renewed mission chase despair away. • The scoffing captain—2 Kings 7:1-2,17-20 Doubt meets fulfilled prophecy and sudden judgment. • Hezekiah’s moving shadow—2 Kings 20:8-11 The sun goes backward; the promise moves forward. New-Testament Echoes • Zechariah’s silence—Luke 1:18-20,57-64 Nine months of muteness underline an unbreakable promise. • Mary’s honest “How?”—Luke 1:34-38 Clarification given, surrender offered: “Behold, the servant of the Lord.” • Peter sinking—Matthew 14:29-31 “ You of little faith, why did you doubt? ” as Jesus pulls him up. • A father’s plea—Mark 9:23-24 “ I do believe; help my unbelief! ”—and the child is healed. • Thomas invited to touch—John 20:24-29 “ Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. ” • Disciples startled—Luke 24:38-43 “ Why are you troubled? ”—then He eats fish to prove He is alive. What Ties These Scenes Together • The LORD notices every flicker of unbelief, gently confronts it, and supplies clear evidence. • Persistent disbelief can bring discipline, yet His promises stand firm. • In every age, assurance ultimately rests on God Himself—culminating in the risen Christ who still says, “Peace be with you.” |