When Thoughts Hinder Faith

Genesis 20:11 And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife's sake.

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

Thoughts do not have to be wicked in order to be troublesome. Any thought contrary to faith will eventually cause a man to stumble. In Genesis 20:11, Abraham’s thoughts hindered his faith. He perceived that the fear of God was not in Gerar and decided to lie about the identity of his wife in order to insure his personal well-being. Rather than trusting God, he trusted his thoughts. Another example is Naaman. He refused to wash in the Jordan River because he thought that the prophet should have recovered his leprosy by coming out, calling upon the name of the Lord, and striking his hand over the place of leprosy (2 Kings 5:11). When a man trusts in his own thoughts over the words of God, that man shows a complete disregard for truth.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

(For children): Read 1 Samuel 13:8-14. Saul failed to trust God’s timing. He thought his enemies would come and defeat him prior to Samuel showing up to offer prayers and an offering to God. Because of his thoughts, he unwisely offered the sacrifice just prior to Samuel arriving. Because of this, his sons never got to be kings.

(For everyone): How do your thoughts hinder your faith? How is trusting your own thoughts over the written words of God equivalent to idolatry? How does the Lord feel about idolatry?

(For everyone): What are some Bible examples of those who have considered their own thoughts more valid than the words of God? What dangers do those people face? Are you ever guilty of the same sinful actions?

PRAYER THOUGHTS

Ask the Lord to build your faith.

Ask God to help you have a proper perspective on your thoughts.

SONG

I Want that Mountain

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