The Blessing of Believing

Unfortunately in our culture, the idea of “believing” or having “faith” lacks definition. For many having “faith” is some mystical sense of confidence that what is desired will come to pass if "my faith is strong enough." The biblical concept of faith is one of “trust” or “dependence.” Merely acknowledging that something is true is the first step (intellectual accent), but it must be followed by depending on that truth (volitional trust).

When it comes to having biblical faith, the amount of faith is not nearly as important as object of our trust. Trust or dependence in the wrong object will never satisfy. The invitation to believe written in God’s love letter, the Bible, is a call to trust our creator God and the Savior who died and rose again to bring forgiveness of sins and eternal life. People of biblical faith have placed their trust in the who Jesus is and what He did for on the cross on their behalf. The Apostle Paul’s answer to Philippian prison guard’s question, “What must I do to be saved?” establishes the blessing of believing in the right person: “Believe (depend) in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31, ESV).

Regrettably in our faith culture, there are some who say that if you believe in Jesus, you will be blessed is everything you do! Often along with this narrative is the invitation to give to the “prosperity pastor” and God’s blessing will flow all the more. Make no mistake when people trust in the Lord Jesus, they are eternally blessed with forgiveness of sin and flourishing life with the Lord. However, in our materialistic mindset, many are led astray into thinking that believing and worshipping the Lord will bring health, wealth and happiness in this life.

I think this is what the new forming nation of Israel thought when Moses told them that God was going to save them from the bondage of Egypt. They were so excited that God had heard their cries and was going to rescue them. Moses records their decision of faith and worship: “And the people believed, and when they heard that the LORD (Yaweh: “I am”) had visited the people of Israel and that He had seen their affliction, they bowed their heads and worshipped” (Exodus 4:31, ESV).

I wish I could join the “prosperity pastors” in saying, “God responded to their faith by transporting them right away from slavery to the promised land flowing with milk and honey!” Exodus 5 tells the real story. Their bondage in Egypt went from bad to worse! Moses and all the people looked to heaven and in modern language said, “God, thanks a lot—you done me wrong!” Maybe you have felt that way at times—I certainly have! Moses cried out to the Lord asking and, in some sense, accusing Him of doing wrong. “O Lord why have you done evil to this people? Why did you ever send me?” (Exodus 5:22).

I love how the great “I AM” responded to Moses with grace and confidence. You see, trusting God and His powerful work in your life does not guarantee a life of health, wealth and happiness, but trusting and depending on Him does guarantee that He will be present with you and do His powerful work in our lives in His time and way: “Now you will see what I will do...for I am the LORD (I am-Yaweh)” (Exodus 6:1-2, ESV)

Do not be deceived by a false claim of “faith.” Depending on the great “I AM” may bring tougher times in our lives as our trust in the Lord is tested. The guaranteed blessing of believing God does not come from the faddish trinkets or temporary happinesses of this life. The blessing of believing is knowing that our God is mighty to save and will bring an eternal quality of human flourishing to His people both now and for forever.

To put it in Jesus’ own words, this flourishing is what He promised all who believe in Him:

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, ESV)