You Gotta Believe

Written By Betty Predmore
 
 

 A Handful of Blessings Part FIVE

It is so easy to believe that which our eyes see.  We believe the sun is shining when we look out and see the rays dance across the sky.  When we see the trees bend, we believe in the wind.  When we see the smile of a child, we believe in happiness. 

 But what about the things you cannot see?  Is it as easy for you to believe those things?

Jesus said to him, “Have you  believed because you have seen me?  Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)

Are you a Doubting Thomas?  Do you need proof before you believe?  Do you need visible, tangible evidence before you can believe in Jesus?  

Thomas knew Jesus had been crucified, and despite what Jesus had told him about being resurrected, Thomas was not convinced until he saw proof…the holes in the hands and the side of Jesus.  

 What has it taken in your life for you to believe in Jesus? 

 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.  (John 1:12)

Belief in our Savior gives us the precious privilege of being called a child of God.  Our Father in heaven is waiting…waiting for us to believe and to call on the name of Jesus.  When we do, He takes us into his loving arms and we are His. 

Have you called on Jesus to be your Savior?  Do you believe….in his death, his resurrection, and his grace?

And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”  (Acts 16:31)

Our belief affects more than just our own lives.  When we live a life of belief in Christ, we are shining examples to others.  This is especially true in our own homes.  

We have the power, through our belief, to shape the spiritual future of our spouse and children.  We can also be that example of belief to family, friends, co-workers, and complete strangers.

Do you feel you are setting an example of belief within your family? Are you that shining light to others around you, so that they might see Jesus through you and believe?

I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. (John 12:46)

What a comfort to know that even in our darkest moments, the light can still shine.  When we believe, trust, and put our faith in Christ, He is a beacon of light in our deepest shadows.  He reaches down and pulls us into the light, and we can face our most difficult circumstances, trusting Him to be right there with us. When the enemy comes against us, our God is fighting for us.  We need only to believe!

Can you think of a time when God was fighting for you? In your darkest moments, has he been that source of light and strength?

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.  Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.  (John 14:12-14)

 So you say you believe.  Is your belief evident to those around you? 

 When we believe, we want to do the work of the One we believe in.  We want to bring glory to Him.  We want to lead others to that same belief.

Are you doing good works that bring glory to God?  Are you doing what you can to lead others to believe?

When you think about it, God doesn't really ask that much of us.  He asks that we put our faith, our trust and our belief in Him.  He asks that we love others and treat them as we would like to be treated.  He asks us to extend the same grace to others that we receive from Him.  He asks us to share the gospel and shine His light for all to see.   

When we set our hearts and minds to these tasks, they are not that difficult to accomplish.  When we have a mindset that imitates Christ, we can do this and so much more. If we truly want to live a life that glorifies our Father, if this is our true heart’s desire, He will give us all we need to do so. 

Is this the truest desire of your heart today?  Are you ready to be an imitator of Christ to those around you?  Have you cast your doubt aside, and filled your heart with true belief, or is there a little bit of Thomas still lingering in your thoughts? 

 Shake off your doubt, fill up on faith, and let yourself experience a life that is filled with PROMISE.  It’s simple….you gotta believe!

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders.  She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances.  Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.  

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center.  She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty holds a certification as a Christ-Based Counselor through the National Association of Certified Christ-Based Counselors. She is also a State of California Certified Facilitator for Anger Management/Batterer’s Treatment Program. In addition, she is a certified Facilitator for Living Free, a faith-based curriculum for parenting, addiction recovery, and anger management.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women.  She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor.  Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way.  She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website.

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement.  Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns.  Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.

http://bettypredmore.com/
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