See it First

Read:

John 20:29 “Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’”

Think:

Most of us say, “I have to see it to believe it,” but we believe things every day without seeing them. We hear the news on tv or the radio and believe it. We listen to broadcasters without witnessing the game and believe the outcome of what they have said. We even listen to the gossip of others and believe their words to be facts. But when it comes to believing that God is God and that the Bible is true, many people struggle. Why do you think it is so difficult for people to believe in a friend’s gossip versus a sovereign God? Doubt. Doubt is a tool that the devil uses to attack the mind. It can lead us to draw near to Jesus and learn more about Him or it can guide us further away from Jesus, down the slippery slope of unbelief.

Doubt can occur when our faith is dependent on something we can’t see. But if seeing was believing, then faith would be irrelevant and unnecessary. The fact is, we live in a world that thrives on proof. And we face countless opportunities to turn away from God or to lean into Him. This is where faith steps in – faith that is not swayed by new ideas, by impressive people, by something easier. This faith that is tested will grow stronger and remain steady in every season of life.

Application:

Mark 9:24 reminds us, “‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” Ask God if there is anything holding you back from fully believing in His power. Are there any places in your life where you need to ask Him to help your unbelief? What is a miracle Jesus performed that stands out to you? Look for an opportunity to focus on His power by telling someone about that miracle today.

Pray:

God, help me as I grow in faith. Help me to grow closer to You, to know You more. Amen.