So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief.
Hebrews 3:19 NIV
Unbelief is another dangerous sin that we must watch out for. Basically, unbelief is the foundation for other sins. It precedes hardness of heart that the Israelites portrayed while in the wilderness (a time the bible says was a time of testing). And so, we are been encouraged not to allow it in our lives so that we are not deprived of the fulfilment of God’s plans and promises in our lives.
So, we see that they were not able to enter [into His rest], because of their unwillingness to adhere to and trust in and rely on God [unbelief had shut them out].
Hebrews 3:19 AMPC
So, we are saved by faith, but we are lost through unbelief. Purification of the heart happens by faith. Hardness of the heart is by unbelief. Faith brings us closer to God, unbelief is departure from God. Worship and nearness to God is by faith. We receive God’s love by faith. Through faith, God gives us the Holy Ghost. And by faith we obey and follow Christ. Yet it is so natural and so like the goodness of God that all should be by faith.
Unbelief prevented the Israelites from entering God’s rest. And it is still very active in achieving the same in the lives of anyone who would allow it. Unbelief stands as a barrier that hinders us from experiencing the fullness of God’s promises. No matter what our own wilderness experience may look like, if we trust in the Lord, it can become the garden of the Lord. Ultimately, this is where we would find everything working together for our good.
As followers of Christ, it is imperative that we actively combat doubt by nurturing and strengthening our faith. By immersing ourselves in God’s Word, prayer, and fellowship with other believers, we cultivate a resilient faith. Let us not succumb to the dangers of unbelief but actively choose to embrace faith as our foundation. Faith positions us to witness God’s hands at work in our lives.