God works through those who believe and are faithful to Him. “Pisteuo” is the Greek word used in the New Testament, for the word “believe.” It means: To think to be true, to be persuaded of, to place confidence in something that is considered to be true.
Jesus said to Thomas, in John 20:29: “. . . “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
The purpose of the book of John is found in John 20:31: “But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” The gospel includes everything we need to know to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, through whom we have eternal life.
I was reminded of this word “believe” when I sat recently in the jury box, going through the process of picking jurors for a particular upcoming trial. The prosecuting attorney asked all of us during her opening remarks: “Do you believe that man landed on the moon? Where you there? Did you see it?”
What about us? Do we always believe God will answer our prayers or have faith in something we have requested from Him when we cannot see it first?
A lesson from history is recorded in Psalm 78. It was told over and over to each generation so they would not forget God and make the same mistakes as their ancestors:
- God divided the Red Sea and let the Israelites pass through it and they were able to escape from their enemy. It is considered to be the most spectacular miracle of Israel’s history in the Old Testament.
- God led the Israelites with a cloud in the daytime and a fiery cloud in the night.
- God split rocks on two separate occasions, in the wilderness to give them water to drink.
But God’s people forgot all of these marvelous works God had done for them and turned back in defending themselves in a particular battle. They deliberately turned away from God. They should have learned from all of these miraculous wonders God had done for them, but they did not. Their disbelief, discouragement, forgetfulness, and lack of belief was their downfall which led them to sin still more against God as Psalm 78:22 states: “Because they did not believe in God and did not trust his saving power.”
In spite of their unbelief and disobedience it says God provided:
- Food – manna to eat. The food was given abundantly. Even quail was provided.
Israel’s disobedience had a consequence as Psalm 78:31 HCSB states: “God’s anger flared up against them, and He killed some of their best men. He struck down Israel’s choice young men. Despite all this, they kept sinning and did not believe His wonderful works.”
Don’t we often doubt and forget the blessings God has given to us in the past as well?
Unbelief will have negative consequences. Look at what happened to Eve.
How much we fully trust in God depends on how well we know Him.
How is your level of believing God will or can answer a particular burden right now? Are you able to trust God above and beyond your understanding?
Many years ago I was going through the biggest problem I had ever experienced in my life. I was riddled with fear about all the bad consequences that might happen. I had promised God if He got me through this one I would never doubt Him again. God abundantly answered. God gave me my own Red Sea of deliverance experience in life. He parted the waters and allowed me to walk through to safety. He did work everything out for my good (Romans 8:28) in an amazing way.
However several years later, I was challenged by a series of very hard trials to work through. Once again the “what ifs” kept me awake at night. At that time Genesis 15:1 NIV had new life and truth for me: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” Those two promises God gave to Abram, encouraged me that God would do the same for me.
Again I had to face the truth that all of my anxieties have to be cast onto God (1 Peter 5:7) one by one. I learned, by finding needed answers in the Bible, that He is my shield, defender, and protector. He is God. But I have to believe it no matter what new trial comes my way and never doubt. No one else can do that for me.
Fact: God always has a plan. We just have to rely with complete confidence and be obedient. He will provide the light to any dark and dreadful situation in His eternal timing. He has proven this to me time and time again.
We are told in John 20:30-31: “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
When hearing evidence in a courtroom, people on the jury must make a choice in what they believe to be true. God has given full evidence throughout the Bible that Jesus is the Son of God and eternal life comes through believing in Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior. Do you believe in Him?
“Do you feel loved by God, because you believe he makes much of you, or because he frees you and empowers you to enjoy making much of him?” John Piper.
“True faith means holding nothing back. It means putting every hope in God’s fidelity to His Promises.” ― Francis Chan, Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God
Our eternal hope, life, and salvation, all are found in Jesus Christ alone. There is no uncertainty in any believer’s ultimate destiny. Our basis for this hope is found in the promises of the word of God. By believing on Jesus Christ, by looking to Him in faith, we have security in our relationship with God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit working in our life.
The disciple Thomas was changed from unbelief, to trust, belief, faith, and conviction that Jesus Christ had indeed risen from the dead. Thomas believed. Others, in the gospels of the Bible saw Jesus and still did not believe. But every person that is a Christian has a life full of evidence in the power of Jesus working in their life. We each have our own story to tell of the saving grace of Jesus, working daily in our lives. In the end, you can say, “God did this!”
“If only we knew what was happening when we pray we would never cease to pray.” Louie Giglio.
Believe God has His almighty plan without first seeing the outcome. Never doubt. Never stop praying. Place your hope and trust in Him.
Do you have some frustrations today? I do.
Do you feel exasperated? I sometimes do.
Are you looking at something that seems impossible? I have this week.
Believe God has you here for a purpose. Have faith in Him. Trust in the sufficiency of Christ. He’s got this!
Listen to the Newsboys song “We Believe.”