I must beware of having a faith that is conditional. When Jacob fled from his father’s house because of his brother Esau’s threats, God met him at Bethel and promised him and his descendants the land of Canaan, just as He had promised it to Abraham, Jacob’s grandfather (Genesis 28:10–17). The next day, Jacob made a conditional promise to God (vv. 20–22):
| IF GOD WILL | • be with me • keep me in the way • give me bread to eat • give me clothes to wear • bring me back to my father’s house in peace |
| THEN: | • the Lord shall be my God • this stone shall become God’s house • I will tithe all my income |
The weakness of Jacob’s faith is all the more glaring in the light of God’s unconditional promise to him the previous day. Conditional faith is cautious, timid faith. It asks for evidence before it will commit itself. Paul says, “Jews demand miraculous signs [before they will believe]” (1 Corinthians 1:22, NIV). But am I any better if I say that God must show Himself trustworthy before I will believe Him?
One of the saddest statements in the New Testament must be that of the father of the demon-possessed boy: “If You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!” To which Jesus replied, “‘If You can!’ All things are possible to him who believes” (Mark 9:22–23). Jesus puts the condition of faith squarely where it belongs—not on Him, but on us. I cannot blame God for the miracles He did not do; I can only blame myself for tying His hands.
“Why should I take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in my hands? Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. Nevertheless I will argue my ways before Him” (Job 13:14–15).
Daily with the King 