Faltered
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The term "faltered" is often used to describe a moment of hesitation, weakness, or failure to maintain a course of action. In the biblical context, faltering can refer to a lapse in faith, courage, or obedience to God's commands. This concept is illustrated in various narratives and teachings throughout Scripture, where individuals or groups experience moments of doubt or weakness.

Old Testament Instances

1. Moses and Aaron: In Numbers 20:10-12, Moses and Aaron falter in their faith when they strike the rock at Meribah instead of speaking to it as God commanded. This act of disobedience results in their being barred from entering the Promised Land. The passage highlights the seriousness of faltering in faith and obedience: "But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 'Because you did not trust Me enough to honor Me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I have given them.'" (Numbers 20:12).

2. Elijah: The prophet Elijah experiences a moment of faltering after his victory over the prophets of Baal. In 1 Kings 19:3-4, Elijah flees from Queen Jezebel's threat and wishes for death, saying, "I have had enough, LORD. Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers." Despite his previous triumph, Elijah's faltering reveals the human tendency to succumb to fear and despair.

New Testament Instances

1. Peter: One of the most notable examples of faltering in the New Testament is the Apostle Peter's denial of Jesus. In Matthew 26:69-75, Peter denies knowing Jesus three times, fulfilling Jesus' prediction. This moment of faltering is a poignant reminder of human weakness, even among the most devoted followers of Christ. However, Peter's subsequent repentance and restoration demonstrate the possibility of redemption and forgiveness.

2. The Disciples: In Matthew 14:30-31, Peter falters again when he walks on water toward Jesus but becomes afraid and begins to sink. Jesus immediately reaches out to save him, saying, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" This incident underscores the importance of maintaining faith and trust in Jesus, even amidst life's storms.

Theological Implications

Faltering is a common human experience, reflecting the struggle between faith and doubt. The Bible presents these instances not only to highlight human frailty but also to demonstrate God's grace and the potential for restoration. Believers are encouraged to persevere in faith, relying on God's strength rather than their own. As seen in 2 Corinthians 12:9, God's power is made perfect in weakness: "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.'"

Encouragement for Believers

Scripture offers encouragement for those who falter, emphasizing God's faithfulness and the call to return to Him. Isaiah 40:29-31 assures believers of God's sustaining power: "He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak... those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength." Believers are reminded that faltering is not the end but an opportunity to experience God's grace and grow in faith.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(imp. & p. p.) of Falter.
Library

Carletta and the Merchant
... "How do you know?" faltered on the lips of the skeptic. ... and they are all singing."
Her voice faltered, but the celestial brightness lingered yet on her face. ...
/.../carletta and the merchant.htm

The Same Subject Continued.
... [1370] To such an extent did he display zeal in the cause of godliness, and prove
himself a punisher of the ungodly, while he as yet faltered in speech like a ...
/.../chapter iv the same subject continued.htm

Fifteenth Day. Pleasing God.
... For a moment, sinking human nature faltered under the load His Godhead sustained;
but the thought of "pleasing God" nerved and revived Him. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/macduff/the mind of jesus/fifteenth day pleasing god.htm

The Day of Blood at Prague.
... Among the number not one had shown the white feather in prospect of death. Not a
cheek was blanched, not a voice faltered as the dread hour drew near. ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xv the day of.htm

In the Desert
... "Nay, nay," she protested. "Think not so harshly of me. I am"I came""
she faltered and paused. He did not help or spare her. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xix in the desert.htm

The Gospel in Samaria
... Those who in other days had paid him reverence, now scorned and persecuted him,
and he became poor in this world's goods; yet he faltered not in the defense of ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 11 the gospel in.htm

Paul's Last Letter
... Him against that day.". Through his long term of service, Paul had never
faltered in his allegiance to his Saviour. Wherever he was ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 49 pauls last letter.htm

A Faithful Undershepherd
... for him and his brethren. Although Peter had denied his Lord, the love which
Jesus bore him had never faltered. And as the apostle ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 51 a faithful undershepherd.htm

Growing Faith.
... But dear faithful John never faltered. We must always love him for that.
How humiliating for us if not even one had stood that test. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/growing faith.htm

In the Lions' Den
... He did not try to conceal his act. Although he knew full well the
consequences of his fidelity to God, his spirit faltered not. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 44 in the lions.htm

Thesaurus
Faltered (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Falter. Multi-Version Concordance Faltered
(1 Occurrence). Psalms 105:37 He brought them forth with silver and gold. ...
/f/faltered.htm - 6k

Faltering (3 Occurrences)

/f/faltering.htm - 7k

Falter (2 Occurrences)

/f/falter.htm - 7k

Inspiration (4 Occurrences)
... Paul never faltered in his claim to be "an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will
of God" (Ephesians 1:1, etc.)-"separated unto the gospel of God" (Romans 1:1 ...
/i/inspiration.htm - 57k

Bible
... Paul never faltered in his claim to be "an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will
of God" (Ephesians 1:1, etc.)-"separated unto the gospel of God" (Romans 1:1 ...
/b/bible.htm - 101k

Resources
What was the Scopes Monkey Trial? | GotQuestions.org

Who was King Asa in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Faltered: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Faltered (1 Occurrence)

Psalms 105:37
He brought them forth with silver and gold. There was not one feeble person among his tribes.
(See NIV)

Subtopics

Faltered

Related Terms

Falters (1 Occurrence)

Faltered (1 Occurrence)

Bilhah (11 Occurrences)

Hesitation (2 Occurrences)

Moses (9295 Occurrences)

Falter
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