As human beings, it’s important that we have something or someone to believe in. Our belief in God encourages us in hard times; however, for faith to work it must be genuine. We can say we believe something, but believing in our minds and believing in our hearts are two different things. Having peace of mind concerning what we say we believe, and the ability to rest in that peace, authenticates our faith.

Hearing the Word of God preached is good, but we fall short of entering the place of rest if we don’t mix it with faith. Rest the way God intends doesn’t mean inactivity, but a decision to believe what He says and a refusal to let doubt or fear move us out of that place. Sometimes this takes effort, but it’s imperative that we labor to enter into that rest. Clinging to the truth of God’s favor toward us even when the pressures of life come against us deepens our faith.

When the man brought his son to Jesus for healing, Jesus told him that all things are possible to whoever believes. This holds true no matter what our situation looks like, feels like, or seems like. The man asked Jesus to help his unbelief; we need to do the same thing when we struggle with our faith. Asking the Holy Spirit, the administrator of God’s grace, to strengthen our faith allows Him to help us in our weakness.

God has no limits; therefore, we don’t need to limit ourselves through unbelief. The Gospel of Grace doesn’t require striving through self-effort, just childlike faith. The only work required of us is to believe in the one whom He sent. Simply resting and letting God speak to us the way Mary did when she sat at Jesus’ feet makes a tremendous difference.

Real faith is a game-changer. It has the power to move mountains. Simple trust in Jesus unlocks that power.

Prayer:

God, completely trusting in what You say to us, with no room for doubt, gives us real rest. Your Word gives us a peace of mind not found in the world. We’re grateful for that. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Scriptures:

Hebrews 4:1, 2, 11

Mark 9:23, 24

Romans 8:26, NKJV

John 6:29

Luke 10:38-42