I confess!
I used to believe with a lower case b. I did.
During this time of my life it was very difficult for me to believe that God would honor his promises and “that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6).
Everything changed one day listening to my pastor Rick Warren talk about what it meant to TRULY believe God would indeed supply all of my needs and keep every promise he makes. Rick stressed that it doesn’t matter what circumstances or trials appeared on my doorstep. Nothing mattered but believing and trusting. On that day I committed fully to live my life Believing with a Capital B.
“My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
It was so comforting to realize that the fight is not mine and God is in charge of the outcome. All we have to do is take our eyes off the problem and look to God’s ultimate and infinite power. When we know and believe right from the start that nothing is too hard for God, we’ll come back to the day-by-day, step-by-step fight with an entirely different attitude as God gives us patience to carry us through the battle.
Before my full surrender to God, I always expected the worst. I thought everything would eventually turn up negative in some way, and I still fight that powerful force today. But God has given me a transformed outlook where I now expect everything in my life to work out for the best according to God’s plan.
As Paul wrote: “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.” Ephesians 1:11
Of course that doesn’t mean everything will be successful or perfect. But it does mean it will be the best as measured by what God would do with my life and my commitment to follow him.
Why? Because it is not really about the outcome. It is about the process and how that connects me to God and his discerning hand and direction so I can live out my purpose for him and his Kingdom.
One of the most inspiring stories on belief in the Bible involves Martha, who definitely Believed with a capital B. After Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days, Jesus came and said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world” (John 11:17-27)
Martha Believed with a CAPITAL B.
