Living 4 Him

“The work God wants you to do is this: to believe in the one he has sent. ” John 6:29 (ERV)

As Jesus communicated with others on earth he used certain words more than others.  “Believe” is one of those words.  Throughout the Gospels, the word “believe” is used as a command over 20 times. 

“Don’t be afraid, just believe.” Mark 5:36 (said to the disciples during the storm at sea)

“Don’t be afraid, just believe and she will be healed.” Luke 8:50

“If you believe, you will receive what you ask for in prayer.” Matthew 21:22

“Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life.” John 6:47

“Believe in the light while you have the light, so you may become children of light.” John 12:36

Believe.  The dictionary definition of believe is “to accept as truth.”  This act of accepting shifts our minds from simply knowing to actively receiving.  When our beliefs activate, they gather power to work inside of us and transform our souls.

The word “believe” appears almost 300 times in the Scriptures, however, only 26 times in the Old Testament.  John penned “believe” nearly 90 times in his Gospel, and John is the place we read the well-known story of doubt turned to belief starring one of Jesus’ disciples, Thomas.  (John 20:19-29)

The evening of Jesus’ resurrection most of the disciples gathered in one place and Jesus appeared to them, offering proof of his return to life.  Thomas was not present and when the disciples shared the news he refused to believe it.  A week later Jesus returned again to the disciples and this time Thomas was a witness to the revival and to the wounds Jesus possessed.  In great awe, he now believed. 

Did you notice that Jesus did not appear to Thomas for one week? What was that week like for Thomas?  Uncertainty? Unsettledness? Thomas wondered aimlessly, unable to move from knowing to receiving until he discovered the truth for himself.  When he saw Jesus with the scars in his hands and his side, he unearthed a powerful peace that connects to eternity–believing.

We can access this same power of believing each day by acknowledging what we believe about God and his presence in our lives.

Believing turns our thoughts from . . .

Will God help me with my problem? to God will help me with my problem.

Does God love me enough to care? to God does love me enough to care.

Is God really here? to God really is here!

Norman Vincent Peale, pastor and author of The Power of Positive Thinking, elevated the importance of our thoughts and what we believe  In his book, Positive Imaging  he says, “I believe that I am always divinely guided. I believe that I will always take the right turn in the road. I believe that God will make a way where there is no way.”

Belief in God and his promises are roots keeping us firmly planted in his eternal soil.  Kept by God’s grace, we flourish in his plans because his power pulses through us. 

What we believe determines how we live. Move from simply knowing to actively receiving. Energize each day with a peaceful dose of what you believe about God and expand the fruit of your soul. 

Reaching in (allowing God’s word to work in your souls):  Read John 20:19-29 to experience Thomas’ move toward belief.  To keep growing your roots of belief, study the verses above for more insight.

Reaching out (taking God’s word into the world):  Take time each day to list (mentally or on paper) 3-4 things you believe about God.