Compare Moses' doubt in Numbers 11:22 with other biblical figures' faith challenges. Moses Counts the Impossible (Numbers 11:22) “ ‘If all our flocks and herds were slaughtered for them, would they have enough? Or if all the fish in the sea were caught for them, would they have enough?’ ” • Moses calculates resources instead of resting in God’s word (vv. 21-22). • The Lord answers, “Is the LORD’s arm too short?” (v. 23), linking supply to His power, not to visible inventory. Abraham Laughs at the Unlikely (Genesis 17:17) • Promise: a son through Sarah at nearly 100. • Response: “Abraham fell facedown and laughed”. • God reiterates the covenant and later fulfills it (Genesis 21:1-3), proving that a chuckle of doubt cannot cancel divine intent. Gideon Seeks Signs (Judges 6:36-40) • Twice requests fleece confirmations after hearing God’s call. • The Lord graciously meets each test, then empowers Gideon to rout Midian with only 300 men, showing that repeated reassurance does not exhaust His patience. Elijah Runs on Empty (1 Kings 19:4-8) • After Mount Carmel victory, Elijah flees Jezebel, praying, “It is enough; now, O LORD, take my life.” • God answers with rest, food, and a still, small voice, then re-commissions him, demonstrating that burnout does not disqualify a servant. Zechariah Doubts in the Sanctuary (Luke 1:18-20) • Question: “How can I be sure of this?” regarding the birth of John. • Temporary muteness becomes both discipline and sign. • When John is born, Zechariah’s tongue is loosed in praise, turning initial skepticism into prophetic song. Peter Sinks in the Storm (Matthew 14:28-31) • Steps onto water at Jesus’ word, but fear of wind makes him sink. • Jesus immediately grabs him and asks, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” • The incident clarifies that faith falters when focus shifts from the Savior to the surrounding circumstances. Thomas Requires Touch (John 20:24-29) • Declares he will not believe unless he sees and touches the risen Lord. • Eight days later Jesus invites him to do exactly that. • Thomas exclaims, “My Lord and my God!”; Christ blesses “those who have not seen and yet have believed,” underscoring faith’s sight-independent nature. Kingdom Encouragements from Their Struggles • Doubt often arises when the promise outscales present resources or senses. • God answers with revelation of His character—power, patience, presence—rather than mere data. • Each figure moves from calculation or fear to renewed obedience once they realign with God’s spoken word. • Our own moments of hesitation are met by the same unshortened arm of the Lord (Isaiah 59:1), inviting trust that He remains able and willing to fulfill all He has said. |
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