Did you know we are blessed to believe? That’s what Jesus says. In fact, by believing, we are made happy in Christ. We are given life. As we move from doubting to believing, let’s look at these powerful words of Christ and see if we can find that blessed life He’s talking about.
Last week, we saw Thomas refuse to believe that his Lord and Savior had been raised from the dead and had appeared to many. He even stated, “Unless I see for myself, I will not believe.” Jesus gave him exactly what he asked.
Most of the time, this is what it takes. We have to see in order to believe. But there are blessings for believing, whether we see or not.
Look at John 20:29-31;
29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe[b] that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
Believe in the power of God!
The whole purpose of John’s Gospel is so we might believe and continue believing. Jesus’ life was a miracle. His birth, death, resurrection, and all the in-between moments, from casting out demons, healing the sick, even raising the dead. Miracle after miracle, all so that we might believe.
I find it interesting that Thomas was there for all the miracles. He listened to Jesus’ teaching live and in person. Even still, when push came to shove, he did not believe Jesus had risen from the dead. He had to have his own personal experience, so he asked for it.
If we want to experience that ‘blessed to believe’ life Jesus is talking about, we need our own personal experience as well. Even if we have to ask for it.
I think it is time to do a spiritual inventory of our lives.
Ask yourself some questions;
- What does my life look like?
- Is it busy? Boring? Monotonous? Chaotic?
- Is it full and happy?
- Do I have unexplainable joy? Or peace that surpasses all understanding? Or am I nervous and restless?
- When was the last time I experienced wonder at a hummingbird, a tulip or a sunset?
- When was the last time I experienced God’s presence? (i.e. – a Holy Spirit moment, those warm unexplainable goosebumps, or some other miraculous event)
- What is the link between believing in Jesus and a more fulfilled life?
- Does my life have purpose? If so, what is it? Does it bring me joy, or others joy, and does it glorify God?
- What is God calling me to do?
I hope you will spend some time with these questions. Maybe even journal the answers. Ask God to reveal what God would like to show you. Believe God is working in your life.
Without God in your life, you have no life at all.
As we move forward, I want to begin looking at the miracles we see in Jesus‘s life. Then, I want us to look at the miracles in our own lives. It is okay if you cannot see them. Just believe they are there. Because, blessed are those who believe.
God wants to bless you with everything God has. Through Jesus, we are promised an abundant life. Hebrew 6:18-20 (The Message) tells us;
“We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It’s an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post as high priest for us,…”
Let us pray;
God of miracles, thank you for sending your Son to show us the way. Thank you that through His life, we might have life if we believe. Thank you that your power is revealed in Christ. Thank you for the miracle of His life and the miracle of mine. Help me to see the miracles all around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
P.S. Leave me a comment and tell me about your miracles. Forward this message to a friend who might need a little help believing today. Share on Facebook and tag me in it. Until next time, know this, you are blessed to believe. -M
One thought on “Blessed to believe!”
Food for thought? Very good!