What does "too difficult in the eyes of the remnant" reveal about doubt? Setting the Scene Zechariah 8:6: “This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘If this is too difficult in the eyes of the remnant of this people in those days, will it also be too difficult in My eyes?’ declares the LORD of Hosts.” The Phrase Unpacked • “Too difficult” signals an obstacle that looks impossible from a human vantage point. • “In the eyes of the remnant” exposes the inner perception of a small, fragile group just returned from exile, staring at ruins and scarcity. • God repeats the phrase, turning it back on Himself, making a sharp contrast between human doubt and divine capability. Roots of Doubt • Limited resources: The remnant’s poverty, ruined city, and lack of manpower (Ezra 4:23–24). • Painful memories: Seventy years of exile could breed pessimism (Psalm 137:1–4). • Sight-based reasoning: They judged by what they saw instead of what God said (2 Corinthians 5:7). God’s Response to Doubt • Direct challenge: “Will it also be too difficult in My eyes?”—God refuses to let human doubt define divine action. • Reminder of His nature: Echoes Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:17; Luke 1:37—nothing is too hard for Him. • Call to faith: He invites the remnant to exchange earth-bound logic for God-centered confidence (Isaiah 55:8–9). Doubt vs. Faith in Scripture • Abraham’s laughter (Genesis 17:17) answered by Isaac’s birth. • Moses’ hesitation (Exodus 3:11) countered by God’s “I AM.” • Gideon’s fleeces (Judges 6) met with patient assurance. • The father’s cry, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24) honored by Jesus’ healing. Lessons for Us Today • Doubt often sprouts from focusing on circumstances rather than promises. • God invites honest admission of doubt—but not resignation to it. • Divine capability is never limited by human imagination or weakness (Ephesians 3:20). • Remembering past faithfulness fuels present confidence (Psalm 77:11–12). Hope for the Doubting Heart • God specializes in turning “too difficult” into fulfilled promise (Romans 4:20–21). • The remnant’s eventual restoration proves His word stands, regardless of human hesitation (Nehemiah 6:15–16). • Our role: shift our gaze from what seems impossible to the One who declares, “I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too difficult for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27). |
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