Only Believe

I am using a lot of scripture today. I think the bible can say this better than I ever could. I have no doubt in the authority in God's word. I will try to be as concise as possible, but there is a lot I want to say. All scripture references are taken from the King James Version of scripture unless otherwise noted. The other day, I spoke of fear. Today I want to elaborate on the other side of that thought. I want to speak on faith. In the book of Hebrews, in chapter 11, is what Christians refer to as the "Hall of Faith." It defines faith this way:

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

Now that faith has been defined for us, the writer goes on to list how great men of God went on to do great things because of their faith. Let me be clear. It was God who did the great things through and for these men. These men set no limitations on the power of God. They trusted God with their very lives! Some gave their lives in His service. All things were possible in their minds. Then we get to verse 6 which states:

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)

I don't know about anyone else, but that verse makes me want to shout! This is the promise that God will reward those that seek him with all of their heart. To be diligent is to keep on seeking no matter what! You keep on believing even when it even defies logic. We are not talking about logic. We are talking about faith. To believe that God will do that which we petition Him to do. According to verse 6, giving up shouldn't be an option. Only believe that He will do it. You also have to believe that God exists. I don't see how anyone can expect things to turn out right in their lives when they don't believe in the One that has the power to make that happen. Let me give just one more scripture to illustrate this point.

But Jesus, said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching. (Mark 6:4-6)

Here Jesus was ministering in Nazareth. This was His hometown. The people there knew him, but did not believe in His power. He had the power to do all they could have dreamed of. They just would not believe. He was only allowed to heal a few sick people. They limited the blessings of God with their unbelief. Do we ever do that? This brings up my last point. Do you believe He can take care of what you bring to Him? Be very honest with yourself. I am not asking whether or not you believe in yourself. I am asking, do you believe in God? Is He able? Is He worthy of your trust? If you believe God is, then I am very happy for you and rejoice with you. If you don't, however, it is time to set that right. Don't limit God with unbelief! It doesn't have to be that way. It is so easy to just yield to God and ask Jesus into your heart. It only takes a few seconds and your life, and faith, will be turned around forever! The God that spoke creation into existence can certainly help you with coming to a saving knowledge of Christ!

Father, I feel so inadequate speaking on this subject. There is so much I would like to convey. I know that you can open the windows of Heaven to all who will only believe you! I truly believe this is what you want to do. Take what I have said and magnify it by your power. Magnify it for the sake of grace. Take what you have said and let it bring forth fruit for your harvest. Bless those who read this and let them study their own hearts. Help them be honest with themselves. Let them be honest with you, Lord. Thank you for the opportunity to share this today. Encourage those who believe. Help those who are struggling with unbelief. Save those who are lost. I pray this and thank you for all of them in the name of Jesus. Amen.