We all are conditioned to believe certain things by the culture we are apart of,
by the families we grew up in, by the words that were spoken over us, by the actions of those who surround us, the things we are taught in school, church, our community, our work environment, and by the lies we believe or the truth we hold tightly to.
Our conditioning and mindset determines how we view life and what we do.
Just because you believe it, does not mean it’s true.
On the other hand, just because you don’t see it happening, does not mean you shouldn’t believe it can happen either.
God loves to disrupt our normally scheduled ways of seeing and living life, to reveal His thoughts and ways to us.
Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist in the Bible, who was a relative of Mary’s, the mother of Jesus, said to Mary, “You are blessed, because you BELIEVED that the Lord would do what he said” (Luke 1:45).
We may be caught off guard when God speaks.
We may feel confused or disturbed.
We may not see the great plans God has for us.
We may be frightened by what we hear or see happening to us.
We may ask questions like Mary did when the angel, Gabriel, came to her.
“Mary asked the angel, “But how can I have a baby? I am a virgin”” (Luke 1:34).
“The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. For the word of God will never fail.”
Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her” (Luke 1:35-38 NLT).
I don’t know how others have treated you or trained you to think and behave, or the circumstances you’ve learned to accept as your reality.
I do know that we all have believed lies at some point in our lives. We have listened to our own insecurities and the whispers of the enemy.
And I know this too, “For with God nothing will be impossible” (Luke 1:37 NKJV).
Mary felt all the feelings of uncertainty too. The message the angel delivered from God did not fit with what she had been conditioned to know and believe.
“Gabriel throws an almighty curveball at Mary’s nice calm, planned-out life, sending it completely off course.” – Niki Hardy from her book, Breathe Again
Mary was scared.
Mary asked questions.
Mary listened.
Mary chose to believe.
Mary submitted herself to God’s plans.
Mary saw miracles come to pass.
Mary was blessed.
Mary did not let what she knew to be true, in the world she had experienced so far, keep her from what God had for her.
Mary BELIEVED.
“That is what the Scriptures mean when God told him, “I have made you the father of many nations.” This happened because Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing” (Romans 4:17).
Let’s be more convinced of what God has promised in His Word than we are of the world we see.
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2).
Let’s believe for more than we can even imagine.
Let’s take steps towards all God is calling us to, even if they are baby steps.
For me, right now, that’s being intentional about spending time with God. Reading, studying, writing, growing in the craft of writing, and sharing encouragement with others along the way.
What are you working towards and believing for?
If God has set eternity in our hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11), he has put within us creativity and His eternal ways. We do not have to live by sight. We can live by faith, believing in the one who created us all to be a part of His magnificent, grand, and extraordinary story.
Let’s Believe!
Let’s be determined to see what does not exist come to pass!
Whether an angel has appeared to you with a message from God or you’re more like me, you’ve read about what God can do and you’re determined to see it happen in your own life. Let’s believe God’s promises more than man’s accomplishments.
“Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was absolutely convinced that God was able to do anything he promised. And because of Abraham’s faith, God declared him to be righteous (made right with God)” (Romans 4:20-22).
Can I pray over us all?
Lord,
Even though we see all the obstacles and all of the impossible facts in our lives, let us claim your Word over our lives, until your words become our words. Until our faith springs up and we grip it so tightly that we hold onto it through all the ups and downs of life.
Help us to never let go of your promises, until they come to pass here on earth or in Heaven. Either way, we win.
Even on our worst days where we may vomit our worries, let us once again ask for you to help our unbelief that we might believe again! Let us encourage one another. Let us be determined and confident that we will see your goodness in the land of the living (Psalms 27:13)! In Jesus Name, Amen
Let’s link arms my friends!
What can I believe God for, with you today?
Holding on and believing with you!
Joelle Povolni
P.S. Their is an affiliate link (which cost you nothing extra) in this Blog Post for Niki Hardy’s book, Breathe Again, which is amazing by the way. I hope you buy it for yourself and a friend!
