Belief. Everyone needs something to believe in, don’t they? To believe that the chair will hold them when they sit in it. That their cars will take them from one point to another safely.
What we believe in affects how we act, what we do, and the attitude we convey.
Our very DNA is woven into what we believe. And there is something inherent within us that cries out for a Savior. Many people turn to other idols but there is a completeness that overflows from within when we fulfill the longing of our hearts and believe in our Savior, Jesus.
The word believe is mentioned over 100 times in the book of John.
The purpose of this Gospel is in John 20:31: “So that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, and that by believing, you may have life in His name.”
When we have a true and clear belief of who Jesus is, we are able to see so much more than just a man who died on a cross. We are able to see His miraculous power, His signs and wonders, His Sonship.
Jesus’ disciples had front row seats in witnessing the miracles of Jesus. But they still struggled in their belief. They were eyewitnesses and watched Him heal the blind, the lame and the sick. But they still needed to learn from their Teacher. And it wasn’t until His death that everything became clear and they were truly able to SEE. (John 2:22)
Many questioned and doubted Jesus. The Pharisees who had memorized scripture turned a blind eye to the prophecies foretold of the coming Savior. They may have believed in part but it was in something they idolized in and of themselves.
The key thing here that Jesus always comes back to is believe.
“So that through Him ALL might believe.” John 1:7 And for “those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12 So that all may “have eternal life.” John 3:16
Not only believe but we need to put that belief into action. Jesus calls us to not only believe in Him but have faith to believe.
“But without faith, it is impossible to please Him: for He that cometh to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6
“...so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.” Galatians 3:22
And when we are able to put our belief into action through faith, HE SHOWS UP.
“Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
In John 4, there was a man who was desperate to save his dying son. Most likely he used up all of his resources and figured the man called Jesus might be able to help.
So he left his sick son, traveled to where this man, Jesus, was and hoped for a miracle.
“When this man heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to Him and asked Him to come down and heal his son, for was at the point of death.
So Jesus said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.”"
What Jesus is saying here is that this man would only believe if he had proof before his very eyes.
Many times we need physical proof of something before we can believe that it will work. We need to test drive a car, we need to taste test an ice cream flavor…etc.
But that doesn’t require FAITH. Sure, we can believe but to believe that Jesus has the power to heal in whatever way He pleases is what we need to look at here.
“Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.”"
The man could have sat and pleaded some more. He could have cried and screamed or even given up hope for a miracle because Jesus wasn’t going to perform it the way he wanted or planned for.
But it says, “The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way.”
This is when belief and faith walk hand in hand.
This is when belief is put into action.
Not only did the father believe it would happen, not only did he not need to SEE it happen before his very eyes, but he went on his way believing the words that Jesus promised.
That Jesus had the power.
That he could trust what Jesus said.
That his son was healed.
He didn’t need proof. He didn’t need to double check and ask Jesus again to go with him.
HE BELIEVED.
And he put that belief into action when he went on his way.
As the father neared his home, his servants ran out in celebration saying his son was healed! He asked them the hour when his son began to get better, and they told him the exact moment.
The father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and his whole household believed. John 4:53
If Jesus would have performed the miracle the way the father wanted, there would be no need for faith.
He needed to confirm with his eyes in order for the miracle to happen but Jesus wanted him to SEE with his heart.
And to believe that Jesus would do what He said. To trust His word.
When the woman at the well believed in Jesus’ words, she ran to tell everyone.
When Peter saw Jesus walking on the waves, he stepped out of the boat to go to Him.
When the lame man was healed, he immediately stood up and walked.
Their belief took action.
What I would like to ask is this: do you believe? Not only believe but do you put that belief into action?
Are you operating out of a belief that God is bigger than your problems and fears? Or are nearsighted in only seeing what’s before your eyes?
Do you believe in Jesus? Do you believe that He came and died for YOU?
That He rose again and took your sins that they would be thrown as far as the east is from the west and be remembered no more?
Do you believe He cares for you and has good in store for you?
Do you believe you are His child?
Do you believe?
It’s time to put that belief into action.
“For we walk by faith and not by sight.” 1 Corinthians 5:7
"Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life." John 6:47
~ Kissy Black