Why Believe
When I began to write this blog, I started to wonder when was the very first moment
that I began to believe in Jesus Christ. I cannot remember a time in my life when I did
not believe in Jesus. It is not like I grew up in the Church and when I was young, I went
to Church, but not every Sunday, mainly on Easter. The only time I read the Bible was
while in church.
I believe in Christ because it is the Lord’s will for me to do so. I know that the Holy
Spirit dwells in me, and that Spirit is greater than any other power on this earth. In 1
John 4:4 we are told, “ But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a
victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives
in the world.” He is my protection. It is my confidence.
I do not doubt it. I accept it. I have read and memorized the 23rd Psalm from childhood
but did not really know its meaning until the saving grace of it played out in my life.
I was in the valley; disobedient; ignoring all gut warnings; putting myself in harm’s way.
The Lords rod and staff were, and still are, my protection and comfort. Jesus led me
beside still waters and green pastures with renewed strength and more belief than ever.
I believe because Jesus never left my side. With disobedience comes correction. I take
my father’s correction over the world’s correction all the days of my life.
I know there are many reasons why a person might not believe in the Father, and the
Son and the Holy Spirit. Some, however, might stop believing and I cannot speak on
those things because I have believed in the Lord in the toughest of times in my life. Each
adversity brought me more faith, strength, and rejuvenation, if not always
understanding. Adversity is how Jesus has grown me.
~ How is my faith going to be strengthened if I do not go through anything?
~ What can I testify to if I have not been a witness to what the Lord has brought me
through?
~ How can I be a comfort to someone else with the comfort the Lord has given me if
I have not gone through anything?
You know how many times I have read the scripture verse, 2 Corinthians 12:9-11,
“Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s
power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in
insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am
strong,” and thought hog wash? Well, it is true that when I am weak, then I am strong.
It is my belief that faith is brought on by seeing the Lord’s faithfulness play out in your
own life. It is very personal.
It all begins with want, a want that only Jesus can fill. I have never in my life gone
through a difficulty and not come out better than I was before it. God is not going to take
away every difficulty, but He will strengthen us and walk through it with us. We know
this as we are told His “grace is sufficient for you; His power is made perfect in your
weakness. Therefore, we can boast all the more gladly about our weaknesses, so that
Christ’s power may rest on us.” 2 Corinthians 12:9.
Prayer: Heavenly father, thank you for restoring me. I thank your for not giving up on
me. The knowledge that there is not one thing or person who can snatch me away from
your plan for my life is overwhelming. You are my shepherd and I thank you for your all-
encompassing love, provisions, faithfulness, protection, devotion, direction, and
teachings. Amen.
GL