Faltering
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Definition and Context:
Faltering refers to the act of hesitating, wavering, or showing a lack of confidence or resolve. In a biblical context, faltering often denotes a spiritual or moral hesitation, a moment of doubt or weakness in faith, or a failure to act decisively in accordance with God's will.

Biblical Instances and Themes:

1. Moses' Hesitation:
One of the most notable examples of faltering in the Bible is Moses at the burning bush. When God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses hesitated, expressing doubt about his ability to speak and lead. In Exodus 4:10 , Moses says, "Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and tongue." Despite his faltering, God reassures Moses and provides Aaron as a spokesperson, demonstrating that divine support overcomes human weakness.

2. Peter's Denial:
The Apostle Peter's denial of Jesus is another poignant example of faltering. Despite his earlier bold declarations of loyalty, Peter falters under pressure. In Luke 22:56-57 , a servant girl recognizes him, and Peter denies knowing Jesus, saying, "Woman, I do not know Him." This moment of faltering is significant, as it highlights human frailty even among the most devoted followers. However, Peter's subsequent repentance and restoration underscore the possibility of redemption after faltering.

3. Israel's Unbelief:
The Israelites frequently faltered in their faith during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. In Numbers 14:1-4 , the people express their fear and desire to return to Egypt after hearing the report of the spies, saying, "If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this wilderness!" Their faltering faith leads to a prolonged wandering in the desert, illustrating the consequences of doubting God's promises.

4. Elijah's Despair:
After his victory over the prophets of Baal, Elijah experiences a moment of faltering when he flees from Queen Jezebel. In 1 Kings 19:3-4 , Elijah is afraid and prays for death, saying, "I have had enough, LORD. Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers." Despite his faltering, God provides for Elijah, sending an angel to strengthen him, showing that God remains faithful even when His servants falter.

Theological Implications:

Faltering is a common human experience, reflecting the tension between faith and doubt. The Bible acknowledges this struggle, offering numerous examples of individuals who falter yet find restoration and strength through God's grace. The narratives of faltering serve as both warnings and encouragements, reminding believers of the importance of reliance on God and the potential for redemption and growth after moments of weakness.

Encouragement for Believers:

Scripture encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, even when faced with challenges that may cause them to falter. In Hebrews 12:12-13 , believers are exhorted to "strengthen your limp hands and weak knees. Make straight paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed." This call to perseverance emphasizes the transformative power of faith and the support available through the community of believers and the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion:
While faltering is a natural part of the human experience, the Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that encourage believers to overcome hesitation and doubt through faith in God. The accounts of biblical figures who faltered yet were restored serve as powerful reminders of God's unwavering support and the potential for spiritual growth and renewal.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Falter.

2. (a.) Hesitating; trembling.

3. (n.) Falter; halting; hesitation.

Library

The Family Bible.
... It was our guide to the opening path of life, and a lamp to the feeble,
faltering steps of youth. Who can forget the family bible? ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter viii the family bible.htm

Bring to the Christ Your Fears,
... The faintest cry he hears,. And every faltering prayer; He knows your weight
of woe,. ... The faintest cry He hears,. And every faltering prayer; ...
/.../brownlie/hymns from the morningland/bring to the christ your.htm

The Inhabitant of the Rock
... As a weak man might stay his faltering, tottering steps upon some strong staff,
or might lean upon the outstretched arm of a friend, so we, conscious of our ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the inhabitant of the rock.htm

Letter cvii. To Laeta.
... be born"in answer to a mother's vows"a Christian granddaughter; that a delighted
grandfather should hear from the little one's faltering lips Christ's ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cvii to laeta.htm

Three Tests of Love
... God's ministers in all ages have endured hardships and perils and have suffered
in a thousand ways without faltering, because they loved souls as God loves them ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk fifty-three three tests of.htm

The First Cry from the Cross
... as a severe judge with a condemned criminal; but the cry of Christ, when he is brought
to an extremity which we shall never reach, betrays no faltering in the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 15 1869/the first cry from the.htm

The Great Council
... salute thee!". He advances slowly and with faltering footsteps between
the ranks of Bishops standing to do him honor. Constantine ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/forbes/saint athanasius/chapter 3 the great council.htm

The Mystery of Personality
... Though poor, faltering words may suggest the salient outlines of his character,
the richness and singularity of it defy complete expression. ...
/.../herrick/frank h nelson of cincinnati/the mystery of personality.htm

Conclusion.
... your trembling faith, those sweet experiences, those glimpses of your Redeemer's
smiles, which forced the tear to your eye; the solemn and faltering accents of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clark/the faithful steward/conclusion.htm

Scientific Education: Notes of an After-Dinner Speech.
... of both Houses of the Legislature have agreed that something must be done in this
direction, and have even thrown out timid and faltering suggestions as to ...
/.../huxley/lay sermons addresses and reviews/iv scientific education notes of.htm

Thesaurus
Faltering (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Faltering (3 Occurrences). Exodus 6:12 Moses spoke before
Yahweh, saying, "Behold, the children of Israel haven't listened to me. ...
/f/faltering.htm - 7k

Falters (1 Occurrence)

/f/falters.htm - 6k

Faltered (1 Occurrence)

/f/faltered.htm - 6k

Bilhah (11 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Faltering; bashful, Rachel's handmaid, whom she
gave to Jacob (Genesis 29:29). She was the mother of Dan ...
/b/bilhah.htm - 11k

Hesitation (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of pausing; doubt; vacillation. 2.
(n.) A faltering in speech; stammering. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/h/hesitation.htm - 7k

Moses (9295 Occurrences)
... Let not those who halt and stumble over the little difficulties of most ordinary
lives think hardly of the faltering of Moses' faith before such a task (Exodus ...
/m/moses.htm - 53k

Resources
What is a benediction in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Bilhah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about a midlife crisis? | GotQuestions.org

Faltering: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Faltering (3 Occurrences)

Exodus 6:12
Moses spoke before Yahweh, saying, "Behold, the children of Israel haven't listened to me. How then shall Pharaoh listen to me, who am of uncircumcised lips?"
(See NIV)

Exodus 6:30
Moses said before Yahweh, "Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh listen to me?"
(See NIV)

Job 4:4
Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees.
(See NIV)

Subtopics

Faltering

Related Terms

Fame (38 Occurrences)

Faltering (3 Occurrences)

Falter (2 Occurrences)

Faltered
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