Believing in God isn't always easy. It can be hard to have faith especially when we're waiting on something we believe is crucial. And yet, the Lord has called us to believe in Him. Even more importantly, we are called to believe in Him before we see what we're waiting on. Notice, it's not the other way around? God hasn't told us, "I'll give you that thing you asked me for then you will believe in me." No, He's called us to believe in Him before we receive.
That's the difficulty for most of us. We want to see first in order to believe. Gideon, a Judge in the Bible, had a similar attitude. He tested the Lord multiple times. Now, God in His mercy and unlimited understanding indulged Gideon but we should not aspire to be like him. After all, Jesus was critical of people who wouldn't believe until they saw first, saying in John 4:48 - ...“Will you never believe in me unless you see miraculous signs and wonders?” (NLT).
And yet, we recently discussed that Jesus instructed us to believe in His works at the very least (John 14:11). We thank God for this option but it is not and will never be the standard we should settle on. In fact, Jesus encouraged us to do otherwise in John 11:40 - Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
And that is why we must make that conscious decision to believe first. It is the way to truly witness God's glory just as Lazarus's sisters experienced at the resurrection of their brother (John 11). Or, as was the case for the centurion who believed Jesus had power to heal his servant without seeing or touching him (Matthew 8). Then there were the two blind men in Matthew 9 who Jesus asked if they believed He could heal them. They said yes and their sight was restored.
Each of these examples displays the need to believe first. We must not be like those who require God to show them who He is before they have faith in His capacity to do what they're waiting on. This is a choice each of us must make. God in His love and mercy is working to make us deeper believers in Him by showing us His miraculous strength and capacity to not just answer our prayers, but go beyond them.
Let me share a recent example from my life. I managed to watch the USA vs ENG FIFA world cup match and it was a 'nail biter'. No offense to the English, but I wanted the Stars & Stripes to win. Though I had work to do, I anxiously screamed at my screen instead. Eventually, I had to pray because I was tired of the stress. So, I did just that and asked the Lord if the English team would win. I heard no and felt peace. I turned back to my work, trusting that the Lord would keep His word.
He did, Hallelujah! England didn't win though neither did the US as the match ended at a 0-0 draw. Nevertheless, this was a reminder to trust the Lord. To believe His word and His character, for He's loyal and cannot lie. I didn't have to wait till the end of the match to believe in Him. I relied on scripture and my prior experiences with Him. Yes, I know, praying about a football/soccer match seems so inconsequential compared to the many things I could have sought God's face on, but the point here is that God is faithful. His word will never fail. Believe in Him first regarding everything, including a sporting event. It is well.
I pray you will join us for fellowship at Noon EST. Come prepared to thank God, pray for others, and consider how to believe in Him all the more.