You Gotta’ Believe

Written By Betty Predmore

ROMANS 9:25 - 10:13

(July 26)

"You gotta' believe" has been a common phrase in my family for many years. When my Emmie was about 8, she would go with me to meetings that I attended with her uncle. Often, she would ask me to take her for a Slurpee after the meeting. And often, I would tell her "No".

She would look at her uncle with those big gray eyes of her and ask him to pray for her that she would get a slurpee. So, he would pray with her that she would get one. Then he would tell her, "You gotta' believe!"

Tell me, Ladies ... what's a mama to do when she is trying to teach her little girl the power of prayer, and she is praying for a slurpee and believing for it?

Well... this mama would get the slurpee. Yes, I caved to the pressure. Yes, I gave in almost every time. But I wanted my little girl to believe in the power of prayer, even if it took something as trivial as an answered slurpee prayer to help her on that journey.

Having that faith, that belief in God, is so important to our Christian walk. Where would we be without it? You see, I could teach her all I could about God, his commandments and expectations, and share scripture with her every single day. But until she had that faith for herself, it was just words.

Paul is giving this same message today about faith. He is reminding the reader that there are no people who don't have access to him. Just because a person knows the bible inside and out and knows the commandments and laws of the Word, doesn't mean they have that faith.

Faith is being sure of what you can't see. It is easy to be sure of what you can see (or read). So, the law of Moses was something the Israelites could be sure of. It was what they were raised to know. But did they truly have faith? Sadly, the number of Jews who truly had faith was small.

Then we have the Gentiles, who did not have the law to live by. They were not considered "God's People", yet they believed. Their faith was strong.

Faith is the true measure of our Christian hearts. It is the only way to a true and lasting relationship with the Lord. There are no limitations placed on race, gender, nationality, or any other factor. Romans 10:9 sums it up so easily for us all,

"If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved."

Verse 13: "Everyone who calls on the Lord will be saved."

Yes, it really is that easy. Yes, it really is that complex. That utter assurance that Jesus is Lord because of the sacrifice made, and that it was made for forgiveness of your sins... it is easy for some to believe and harder for some to wrap their minds around.

No matter how you get to that point ... easily or with struggle ... the hope is that you get to that calm assurance and faith, because that is what unites you with the Lord.

Times may get tough. Pain may come. You may struggle through difficult situations. But joy comes in the morning, so 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 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: www.bettypredmore.com

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.


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