Digging Deeper: Believe
Now may the God of all hope fill you with joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 (CSB)
BELIEVE
During the Christmas season, the word “believe” is tossed around quite a bit. I immediately think of the scene near the end of the movie The Polar Express where the conductor frantically punches holes in the child’s ticket, and much to his surprise, it says, “Believe.”
The pages of scripture are filled with the call to believe. In John 6:47, Jesus tells us, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.” And for many of us, we would quickly say, “I do believe!”
Belief, by definition, is accepting something as true, and oftentimes, it begins and ends there.
Yet, James 2:19 doesn’t mince words: You believe that God is one. Good! Even the demons believe—and they shutter.
When it comes to Jesus, we can’t stop with just believing. He is the creator and sustainer of all things—including you and me. And He created us with one purpose—for His own glory (Isaiah 43:6-7). So, we must ask ourselves, “How do we glorify God?” By loving him and doing what he commands. Simply put—obedience to his word.
“For just as the [human] body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works [of obedience] is also dead.” James 2:26 AMP
You see, believing in Jesus reveals our greatest need—salvation. However, believing also spurs us on to become followers of Jesus and sacrificially living out His call on our lives. Through the act of obedience to his word, he faithfully fills us with joy and peace, and, ultimately, hope.
As you begin this day, stop and think of where your life can begin to move from a simple belief in God to a hope-filled obedience to his word so that you might live for His glory. That’s where the beauty is. Don’t miss it!
PRAY: Jesus, you are our greatest need. Yes, for salvation—but we need you in all things at all times! Give us a hunger and thirst for your word so that we might move from being consumers of your word to doers of your word. Help us to love you more so that we might love others and live sent.
Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders and Collins. She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she writes web content for a variety of companies and ministries. When she’s not writing or blogging, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.