Was Gideon wrong for testing God by asking for two miracles to prove to himself that God was talking to him? Was Jacob wrong for telling God that he will worship him only if he gets back to Bethel, the place where he had a dream about God telling him that he will inherit the land of Canaan? Was Thomas wrong for asking for proof that Jesus was truly resurrected?

     Some people give a resounding "yes". However, I am asking the  above questions to confront the human proclivity towards certainty and clear answers. The answer to this question touches on the nature of God. As far as biblical data, Psalm 78 talked about how Israel tested God. However, the context is Israel's rebellious testing of God's limits, how much they can get away with their disobedience and grumbling. On the other hand, there was no condemnation for Jacob or Gideon for their desire for certainty that God is talking to them. Jesus gave Thomas proof that he is risen and his statement "Blessed are those who believe even though they do not see", referring to the evidence given to Thomas, is not a condemnation but an affirmation that trusting him is the way of salvation even for future generations.

     Does God require blind faith? Why do people doubt? I don't agree that it is sin to doubt or want more evidence. People sometimes have a more suspicious personality. They don't easily believe, and maybe Jacob was like that. People sometimes distrust others because of bad experiences. For God to require blind faith would be unfair, and would go against the reality that there are deceptive voices that claim to be the voice of God. Aren't we called to test "prophets" to see if they speak from God? Blind faith can lead to spiritual destruction. For example, there are those who listen to modern day prophets who predict the end of the world. God understands our doubts and does not hold our doubts against us. On the other hand, doubt can be a manifestation of a bad heart. Skeptics must be confronted with the issue of their disbelief, whether they are genuinely open to believing or not.

     The psalmist says "Taste and See that the Lord is good." This is an affirmation that doubt is natural. The life of the Christian will be plagued by doubts (will I be OK if I give some of my money to God's work, will I ever find somebody to marry me if I reject this man who does not love the Lord). God's invitation is to walk with him and he promises that you will see that he is good. It does not say, be convinced that I am trustworthy, then walk with me.

    The people of God is called Israel- One who struggles with God. The life of faith is a life of struggle. Its a struggle to taste and see that the Lord is good. True faith is not a one-time decision to believe a proposition. We are not saved by our decision but by our present faith. Faith is a moment to moment decision to walk with God, believing that he will show his goodness. Faith is strenghtened as the faithful see more and more of God's goodness. If at this moment you are walking with God, the promise is the experience of his goodness- the temporary earthly blessings (provisions, relationships), the comfort in the midst of sorrow, and the assurance of eternal life through the death of his son.