“Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6)
God promised Abraham descendants more numerous than the number of stars in the sky. Abraham questioned God how he could know that this would happen? And he was also probably wondering where and when. But notice he questions God; he does not doubt God. There’s a big difference. Regardless, one must have a lot of confidence in their relationship with God to question Him. Abraham had the utmost confidence and trust in God and in his relationship with Him. I don't think God minds when we ask why or how He does things—though He doesn’t always reveal to us the answers we want when we want. Because somethings are beyond our human understanding and some aren’t meant for us to know at all. While others He will reveal in His Perfect Timing. But to ask God questions about some things doesn’t mean you think they won’t happen or dobut Him. Rather it just that you want to know when/where/why/how.
God doesn’t mind us asking Him questions but it’s when we doubt [that He’ll do the great things He promises to] that we get into big trouble. Disbelief/doubt is a big deal—and not a good one.
“Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:27-29)
Here in this verse, Jesus points out 2 things:
1 - Thomas needed physical evidence in order to believe.
2 - That’s NOT what faith is!!!
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1)
He reminds us that just because we don’t see God’s Work, that doesn’t mean He’s not moving mountains and working things together for our good.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” (James 1:5-8)
““Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” (Mark 11:22-25)
Jesus also reminds us that when we ask God for anything we have to believe it to receive it. He says “have faith in God.” Because faith in God also means trusting God in every moment of every day, forever.
