We live in a generation of destiny where God is looking for much to happen. But how do we walk in that destiny if we really do not understand the Lord when He speaks? Read the account of Yeshua (Jesus) in the boat with His disciples as they went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee.

• And the disciples came to the other side of the sea, but they had forgotten to bring any bread. And Jesus said to them, “Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” They began to discuss this among themselves, saying, “He said that because we did not bring any bread.” But Jesus, aware of this, said, “You men of little faith, why do you discuss among yourselves that you have no bread?”(Matthew 16:5–8)[1]

How could the disciples hear, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees,” and respond, “Oh no, we didn’t bring bread for the trip and now Yeshua is upset”? Yeshua’s reaction seemed almost harsh, but He went directly to the root of the problem. He told them in no uncertain terms, “The reason you do not understand what I am saying is because of your unbelief.”

We put a great deal of importance on having a meeting with the Lord, but you could have a meeting with the Lord and still not understand what He says to you. Yeshua was speaking to those disciples in very plain language, but because of their unbelief they did not understand Him. We know that He said, “My sheep hear My voice” (John 10:27). That is a promise. If I am one of His sheep, then I should expect to hear His voice. But we need to do more than just ask, “Lord, I want to hear Your voice.” Let us pray, “Lord, I want to get rid of my unbelief so that when You do speak to me, I clearly understand what You are saying.”

Our unbelief also affects our ministry to the world. Yeshua took Peter, James, and John to the Mount of Transfiguration. Moses and Elijah appeared to them, Yeshua was transfigured, and the glory of God was manifested as a great light. As they walked down the mountain, a man came out of the crowd, saying, “Lord, have mercy on my son. … I brought him to Your disciples, and they could not cure him.” Yeshua responded, “You unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him here to Me.” Then Christ cast out the demon and the boy was cured immediately (Matthew 17:15–20). Our unbelief is something that is absolutely against everything God is and everything He stands for.

The world has nowhere to go right now except to God’s people. Yeshua has gone into the glory and presence of the Father and He is not here. So the world should be able to bring their demon-possessed sons to us, the disciples. We are the ones who must move in healing and deliverance. We are the ones who must have a Word from God. Like Yeshua, we must be Immanuel, “GOD WITH US” (Matthew 1:23). This story is not just about how our unbelief impacts us; it is about how our unbelief impacts the whole world. Yeshua said, “It is because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, nothing shall be impossible to you.” With faith, nothing is impossible for us.

1. All Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible 1995 (NASB1995).