“How often they provoked Him in the wilderness, and grieved Him in the desert! Yes, again and again they tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.” (Psalm 78:40-41, NKJV)
Psalm 78 records the faithfulness of God to His people. But this same psalm also records the actions of a nation that continually rebelled against that same loving God. Although He performed daily miracles on their behalf, they forgot His goodness.
ISRAEL’S UNBELIEF
After the Israelites departed Egypt, they witnessed God doing so many amazing things. Miracles surrounded them throughout their journey.
- God parted the sea for them to walk across.
- He destroyed their enemies.
- He provided food in the wilderness.
- He made rivers in a desert.
- Their clothes and shoes never wore out.
Despite everything they experienced, the Israelites still questioned God’s ability to provide for them.
- “Can God prepare a table in the wilderness?” (Verse 19)
- “Can He give bread also? Can He provide meat for His people?” (Verse 20)
- “Because they did not believe in God, and did not trust in His salvation.” (Verse 22)
- “Nevertheless they flattered Him with their mouth, and they lied to Him with their tongue” (Verse 36)
The children of Israel would run to God when they faced trouble, but they were fickle. They were also quick to turn to false gods and ignore His commandments. Although disloyal and disobedient, they still wanted His help when facing difficulties.
As I read the Old Testament story of Israel, I find myself repeatedly asking how they could do that. Why did they limit God’s blessings by doubting His power? How could they forget all the miracles God performed on their behalf? And then I pause to ask if I may sometimes do the same. Do I recognize and remember the many blessings and miracles He has provided in my life? Do I remember to express my gratitude for His goodness to me?
LIMITING GOD
God’s power has no limitations. Luke 1:37 assures us that “with God nothing shall be impossible.” Nothing! He can save, heal, provide, and deliver. Whatever our need, God has the unlimited power to supply that need. Psalm 84:11 assures us that He will not withhold anything good from the upright.
There is, however, one thing that will hinder God from meeting our needs. It’s not a lack of power on His part. It is unbelief on our part.
When Jesus visited His hometown of Nazareth, the people did not believe in Him. In their sight, He was just Mary’s son, the man they had seen grow up there. They knew Jesus and His siblings. (Read Mark 6:3-5.) While in Nazareth, He did pray for a few people. But Scripture says He could not do any mighty works there. He was limited by their unbelief.
Hebrews 3:12-13 warns us to be alert so we won’t allow disbelief to enter our hearts.
“Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” (NKJV)
We must never put limitations on God. His power is limitless.
PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
- What miracles has God performed in your life?
- Have you ever placed limitations on God because of unbelief?
- Have you testified to others of God’s amazing power in your life?
Devotion by Mary Loudermilk
