The concept of "faltering" in the Bible often refers to wavering in faith, hesitating in decision-making, or showing weakness in commitment to God's commands. This theme is prevalent throughout Scripture, illustrating the human tendency to doubt or hesitate in the face of challenges or divine instructions.

Old Testament References

1. Exodus 4:10 · Moses expresses his own faltering when he hesitates to accept God's call to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. He says, "Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and tongue." Here, Moses' faltering is a reluctance based on perceived personal inadequacy.

2. 1 Kings 18:21 · The prophet Elijah challenges the Israelites to stop faltering between two opinions: "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him." This passage highlights the spiritual faltering of the Israelites as they struggle between worshiping Yahweh and Baal.

3. Psalm 73:2 · The psalmist Asaph admits to a moment of faltering: "But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped." This reflects a personal struggle with doubt and envy when observing the prosperity of the wicked.

New Testament References

1. Matthew 14:30-31 · Peter falters when walking on water towards Jesus. "But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, cried out, 'Lord, save me!' Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of Peter. 'You of little faith,' He said, 'why did you doubt?'" Peter's faltering is a momentary lapse in faith due to fear.

2. James 1:6-8 · James warns against faltering in faith: "But let him ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." This passage underscores the instability that comes with spiritual faltering.

Theological Implications

Faltering is often depicted as a natural human response to fear, doubt, or external pressures. However, the Bible consistently calls believers to overcome faltering through faith and reliance on God. The narratives of individuals like Moses, Elijah, and Peter serve as both warnings and encouragements, demonstrating that while faltering is common, God's strength and guidance are always available to those who seek Him.

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to recognize moments of faltering as opportunities for growth in faith. Through prayer, study of Scripture, and fellowship with other believers, Christians can find the support needed to overcome doubts and hesitations. The biblical call is to trust in God's promises and remain steadfast, even when circumstances seem daunting.

This, You Will Say, is Ridiculous, Whereas all Profess to Hold and ...
... Wherefore you now understand that the definition of a studious person falters in
this point, that every studious person wishes to know what pertain to himself ...
/.../augustine/on the profit of believing /section 21 this you will.htm

Introductory
... And when pressed for really working specifics for the experiences with which
it deals, it falters, and seems to lose itself in mist. ...
/.../drummond/the greatest thing in the world and other addresses/introductory.htm

'Is it I?'
... shapes his lying lips with loathsome audacity into the same question, but yet not
quite the same, The others had said, 'Is it I, Lord?' he falters when he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/is it i.htm

Oh, the Cross, the Saviour Dying,
... Bowed beneath the burden lying. On His spotless soul. 'Tis thy load He falters
under; Speaks not heaven in wrathful thunder? Earth! ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the early church/oh the cross the saviour.htm

The Name Above Every Name
... What do we call the virtue which rebukes evil in high places and never blanches
nor falters in the utterance of unwelcome truths? Daring courage. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the name above every name.htm

The Pearl, Seven Hymns on the Faith. Hymn i. On a Certain Day a ...
... melodies. The trumpet falters and the thunder mutters; be not thou daring
then; leave things hidden, take things revealed. Thou ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/the pearl seven hymns on 2.htm

Confidence in God.
... makes it love and appreciate those principles, truths, and paths wherein the spirit
has neither object nor idea, and in which it trembles, shudders, and falters ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/section i confidence in god.htm

The Conversion of S. Paul
... Still gazing, though untaught to bear. Th' insufferable light. 'Who art Thou,
LORD?' he falters forth:". So shall Sin ask of heaven and earth. ...
/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/cclxxxiv the conversion of s.htm

Our Brother.
... But He falters not. The calmness of His will gives steadiness to His step
down the river's bank. Aye, the dangers lured Him on. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks about jesus/our brother.htm

The Manifestation of the Messiah
... how his figure stoops in involuntary obeisance; how the voice that was wont to ring
out its messages in accents of uncompromising decision falters and trembles ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/vii the manifestation of the.htm

Falters (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Falters (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 21:4 My mind is
wandering, fear has overcome me: the evening of my desire ...
/f/falters.htm - 6k

Fame (38 Occurrences)

/f/fame.htm - 21k

Faltering (3 Occurrences)

/f/faltering.htm - 7k

Falter (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To thrash in the chaff; also, to cleanse or sift, as barley. 2. (v. & n.)
To hesitate; to speak brokenly or weakly; to stammer; as, his tongue falters. ...
/f/falter.htm - 7k

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