BELIEVE: Understanding an Unseen Trust

John 8:24, I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you BELIEVE that I am He you will die in your sins.”

In this season of Christmas we see the word BELIEVE almost everywhere we turn. On signs, bulbs, shirts and even wrapping paper. What does it mean to BELIEVE? To BELIEVE, in the Greek (pisteuo) is to have faith or trust. In Hebrew ('AMAN) it is to be steady, be firm or trustworthy. Websters defines BELIEVE as: accept (something) as true. Now ironically if you look at the word itself BELIEVE it contains "Be" and "Lie". So many choose to understand when they are asked to BELIEVE, that they are to support or trust a lie. Think about this for just a moment. For example, we are all introduced and taught to BELIEVE in Santa Claus, The Easter Bunny and even the Tooth Fairy, only to be told later in life they are all fake, lies or even make believe. Even make believe is to accept as not real or imaginary. Sorry if I just spoiled any adults Christmas by revealing the truth about Santa, wasn't my intention. :)

So many wonder why we struggle with understanding what others are trying to teach us. Unlike Santa and The Easter Bunny, which symbolize fun times, we usually only begin to seek, understand and have faith in Jesus when we have hit bottom or had some tragedy in our life. Granted God designed it this way so we are totally broken and we can truly give ourselves to Him. But even in these times, many wrestle with the fact that all the other unseens they grew up with were eventually discovered to be falsehoods. An adult knows a child can be easily tricked, however they are not willing to be victimized again to this unseen force known as God. They feel something and yet they can't quite explain the curiosity. This is God tugging at your heart. He is trying to get through. Still we resist. John 20:29, "Jesus said to him, Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Eventually, some of us, discover this gift that has been long talked about. We feel the Holy Spirit moving in us and wonder how we ever lived without Him. We feel the warm Love of Gods touch in our lives. We hunger for His word and teachings. The blessings begin to reign down on our lives. Our hearts are now open seeing the world for the world it is and in the midst seeing all of Gods wonders all around us. Our families suddenly become so very important. The need to serve fills our hearts. Understanding what our Father in Heaven did for every one of us. The price Christ paid for you and I suddenly becomes an overwhelming feeling and we only want to serve Him and make the Kingdom proud in return. Our relationships become much stronger, with God, Family, Friends, Co-Workers and anyone else important to us. Ephesians 2:8-9, For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

What occurred has become the single most important life changing event in our life that will never be surpassed. We spend the rest of our lives in training for what is to come next. We live to Love, forgive, serve and spread Hope to others. As the Christmas season looms closer, lets remember what this season is really all about. Lets be thankful for all that we have, God's grace, our families Love, children, homes, work, food, clothing. Luke 1:47-49, And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. There are so many who have so much less. So let's not pretend, lets not be selfish, find forgiveness, find grace and serve your fellow man. Maybe if we all pitch in just a little, God will smile and see all is not lost. Maybe we can put a little faith back in Him about us. He has done so much for us, lets Glorify Him in our actions. You may even save a life, better yet a soul. Praise God. Matthew 25:34-40, Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’

BELIEVE in God and with that He will help you BELIEVE in others. What do you have to lose? You once thought there was a Santa, an egg laying bunny and a fairy that replaced money for a tooth. So what are you going to lose to take that step? Two hours on Sunday? The time to read a good book (Bible)? Take that leap and He will show you a life you could never fathom. It doesn't hurt, there are no strings, just ask Him to forgive you and BELIEVE in Him. That's all there is and if your not sure what to pray, just pray the prayer below. There is no format with God. He just wants a conversation in your new relationship with Him.

Lets Pray: Father we come to You today with open hearts. Some of us will ask this for the first time, others just reaffirming with You. Father we ask humbly and in great need for You to forgive our sins. Father we know we are undeserving of any Grace, yet Your Word tells us through the sacrifice of your precious Son, we will be saved if we only BELIEVE and confess. Father we BELIEVE, unconditionally. We Trust in Your Kingdom and Your ways father. Change our hearts Father and we ask this in Jesus name...AMEN.