To believe
Wanted to share this, from my journey through the Bible this year chasing the word stop. This was one detour I took after getting to John 20:27, "Stop doubting and believe."
Words said by Jesus to Thomas, who in his very much humanness needed to see this completely unbelievable thing that had happened.
And in my very much humanness, as I long with every fiber of my being to see Jesus, He says these words to me when I need them the most.
I took a side road and hunted down the word believe in the Scriptures. And found promises innumerable. Precious promises.
Here are some results of belief I found. Not just believing in God, but really, truly, actively, sold-out believing God.
Not the celestial police officer ready to toss down lightning bolts at all who stray. Not the apathetic grandfather in the sky who has lost control. Not, for the love of all things holy, a political placeholder.
Not the genie who fits into our small boxes of understanding.
But the One and Only. El Shaddai, Adonai, El Aman, Yahweh, El Roi, the Alpha and Omega.
Righteousness - Genesis 15:6
Deliverance - Exodus 4:1 (they did believe)
God's delight - 1 Kings 10:9
Awareness - Psalm 78:22, 32
Forgiveness - Jonah 3:5
Witness God's works - Habakkuk 1:5
Heaven - Matthew 18:3 (for childlike belief/trust)
Unity with God, answered prayer - Matthew 21:22
Repentance - Mark 1:15 (a result and a requirement)
Hope, courage - Mark 5:36
All things possible - Mark 9:23
Blessing, favor - Luke 1:45
Salvation - Luke 8:12
Understanding of Who God is - Isaiah 43:10
Rights as a child of God - John 1:12
Eternal life, no condemnation - John 3:15-16, 18
Resurrection, Heaven at last day - John 6:40, 54
Holy Spirit - John 7:38-39
They are but a few of the benefits gained by believing God. Which is not always easy, often requiring moment-by-moment very intentional choices.
But it's worth it. Because God always keeps His promises.
Words said by Jesus to Thomas, who in his very much humanness needed to see this completely unbelievable thing that had happened.
And in my very much humanness, as I long with every fiber of my being to see Jesus, He says these words to me when I need them the most.
I took a side road and hunted down the word believe in the Scriptures. And found promises innumerable. Precious promises.
Here are some results of belief I found. Not just believing in God, but really, truly, actively, sold-out believing God.
Not the celestial police officer ready to toss down lightning bolts at all who stray. Not the apathetic grandfather in the sky who has lost control. Not, for the love of all things holy, a political placeholder.
Not the genie who fits into our small boxes of understanding.
But the One and Only. El Shaddai, Adonai, El Aman, Yahweh, El Roi, the Alpha and Omega.
Righteousness - Genesis 15:6
Deliverance - Exodus 4:1 (they did believe)
God's delight - 1 Kings 10:9
Awareness - Psalm 78:22, 32
Forgiveness - Jonah 3:5
Witness God's works - Habakkuk 1:5
Heaven - Matthew 18:3 (for childlike belief/trust)
Unity with God, answered prayer - Matthew 21:22
Repentance - Mark 1:15 (a result and a requirement)
Hope, courage - Mark 5:36
All things possible - Mark 9:23
Blessing, favor - Luke 1:45
Salvation - Luke 8:12
Understanding of Who God is - Isaiah 43:10
Rights as a child of God - John 1:12
Eternal life, no condemnation - John 3:15-16, 18
Resurrection, Heaven at last day - John 6:40, 54
Holy Spirit - John 7:38-39
They are but a few of the benefits gained by believing God. Which is not always easy, often requiring moment-by-moment very intentional choices.
But it's worth it. Because God always keeps His promises.
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