Today’s blog post has the potential to be provocative, and that’s okay. Our inclination towards political correctness has kept us in a state of mediocrity for far too long. To truly engage in introspection, we must be willing to embrace discomfort and explore our darker corners. This blog post will challenge you to answer the question: Do you believe in God?
Do You Believe In God?
My question today is: Do you believe in God? I’m not asking if you believe that God exists, but rather, do you believe in God? These are two distinct questions. Believing that God exists is simply acknowledging the presence of a higher being. Believing in God, on the other hand, is embracing His sovereignty. So, once again, I ask, do you believe in God? I would venture to say that for most of us, the answer is “no.”
What Do You Believe?
Many contemporary worship songs often emphasize God’s greatness, and many of us can recite their lyrics. Some of the devout have even memorized Scripture passages. But does all this enthusiasm equate to belief? When all is said and done, do we truly believe in God? Do we genuinely believe in His power and His commitment to fulfill His promises? To answer these questions, let’s employ the Socratic Method. Our responses to the following questions will offer insights into our beliefs and may prompt a reevaluation of our approach to our relationship with God.
- Do you believe God personally cares for you?
- Do you believe God’s will (His design) is greater than man’s free will?
- Do you believe God has control over the human heart (the hardening and softening of hearts)?
- Do you believe God can influence the world’s economic status?
- Do you believe God is greater than man?
- Do you believe God is greater than government?
- Do you believe God is greater than sickness?
- Do you believe God is greater than evil, meaning you believe God reigns over evil?
- Do you believe that God’s will is independent of chance or luck?
- Do you believe God’s will supersedes the desires and schemes of your enemies?
Most of us may have answered “yes” to most, if not all, of these questions. However, if we are not walking in the knowledge of our belief, then our belief may be superficial. To believe in God means acknowledging that He is greater than our circumstances. It means not becoming prisoners to fear. This doesn’t imply neglecting preparation in the face of difficulties; rather, it means not being enslaved by our circumstances.
Past is Prologue
The past often predicts the future. To overcome fears and bolster our faith, we can invite God into our circumstances and witness His intervention. If we can recognize how God moved in our past, we will gain confidence that He will act in the future.
If you are facing potential job loss, call God into your situation. God is greater than unemployment, bosses, supervisors, or colleagues. If you are entangled in legal issues, call God into your situation. He is the ultimate judge, prosecutor, and jury, surpassing accusers and sin. If you are dealing with sickness, call God into your situation. He is the great healer, your nurse, doctor, and provider. If you are pursuing a dream placed on your heart and facing resistance, call God into your situation. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Great I Am, greater than people, forces, and principalities. He is for you and has the final say.
God’s Timing
Here comes the potentially discouraging part for some. God does not always answer prayers the way we desire, but I have learned to praise Him through disappointment. Some of my greatest rewards have come from God saying no to something else.
What we perceive as failures, God uses for His glory. If you or someone you love is facing sickness, and God does not provide healing, do not fear death. God overcame death, and for those who have accepted Christ, death is the beginning of something far better. If a business venture fails, trust that God has a better deal. If you lose your job, know that God is strengthening your character for the next promotion.
Once you truly believe, nothing that happens is by chance. Surrender everything and everyone to God. The Bible says that God will make your enemies your footstool. When our ways please God, He will make our enemies live at peace with us. Take heart, knowing that even in this world, God is our Father, Friend, Husband, Provider, Comforter, Lawyer, Judge, Jury, Mortgage Consultant, Loan Consultant, Debt Consultant, Bank, Teacher, University, Tutor, Supervisor—whatever we need Him to be!
Today’s Prayer
Jesus, I pray a special blessing over your people today. May you step into their situations and remind them of exactly who you are. I pray that your people will not fear the world and its challenges. May your people surrender ALL their circumstances to you alone. LORD, I pray that you send forth an army of angels to all who read this prayer. Allow the sun to stand still in each life as you did for Joshua. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen!