Belief and God’s Presence

Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
Matthew 13:58

Focus on Christ

Do you believe in God’s Word? Do you trust that Jesus did all the things the Bible records? Can Jesus save? Do you believe Jesus can save you? 

When Jesus arrived at a place where the people had unbelief, He would move on to the next place. If you truly believe in Christ, then you want to see the mighty works of our wonderful Savior! The Scriptures should encourage and challenge you when you see the wonderful things that your Lord did while He was on earth. Would you have a deep belief in Jesus if you saw Him heal the blind, raise the dead, and cleanse the leper? 

Yet, you have the Scripture that records all of these wonderful works. You can read about these over and over. And every time you read them, you are enlightened by each of these miraculous events. But do you believe Him enough to trust Him with your daily life? There are several areas of life that reveal how much you truly believe Him. If the disciples needed help with their unbelief in the midst of living physically with Jesus, then most likely you need your belief in God strengthened. 

Here are a few areas of difficulty concerning belief:

1. Do you believe that God can really bring peace to your life in the midst of anxious times? 

2. Do you believe that if you give God’s tithe to Him that you can survive on the remaining portion?

3. Do you believe that God can bring that wayward friend or family member back to Him?

Each of these challenge your belief. A measure of your belief in God is the amount of His Word that you have hid in your heart and mind. When your thoughts are His thoughts, you will find that you are stronger in your faith. When you pray intimately and continually, you will have stronger beliefs. If you obey immediately without delay, God will confirm your trust in Him. When you share what God’s Word is speaking to you with others, your belief is renewed.

Christ is believable, but your mind can be corrupted from Truth. Stay connected to Christ through His Word and your belief will increase every day. If you want Christ to remain in the activity of your life to do great and mighty things, then keep on believing! God’s Presence will be with you when your focus is on Him.

Focus on Self

The worries of this world will crowd out belief in your mind. When you are consumed with doubts as to what God can do, God will likely move on to one who believes. Positive thinking will not cause God to do what you want. This verse says, “Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.” If you are doubting what Christ can do, then you will miss out on developing your belief in Him.

*Taken from Gifts from God by Kerry Skinner and Alison Veazey. Click here to order your copy.