Keep Believing No Matter What
“Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.” John 20:29
There are two categories of people: the first category, those who believe when they hear the word of promise, and the second category, those who believe only after they see the evidences. Although both lead to an increase in faith, those who look for evidences will experience limited growth and blessings as opposed to those who believe purely from the word of promise. Believers who put their trust solely in God’s word will experience greater blessings and unlimited growth in their character, ministry and career; they will surpass their peers and do things that are never done before. Unlike those in the second category who tend to thrive on people’s energy and achievements, people in the first category anchor themselves not on tried and tested opinion but on the principles of truth; they have an immutable focus and perseverance until they see results.
Jesus has been telling the disciples of His impending resurrection right up to the point of His arrest. In John 20, Thomas, a disciple of Jesus insists that he would not believe that Christ has risen unless he sees for himself the imprint of the nails on Jesus’ hands and side. Why did Jesus single out Thomas? Didn’t the rest also believe after they see the risen Christ? However, the other disciples they respond positively to the women’s report of the risen Christ apart from Thomas who remains adamantly in doubt. Thomas’ approach to faith is based on evidence, similar to many who are moved by people’s testimonies as opposed to the word of promise. Such are easily discouraged when things are not moving promptly enough. They also gravitate towards tested methodologies and drawn to high profile personalities.
In order to affirm Thomas of the truth of His word, Jesus showed Thomas His hands and side (John 20:27). Thomas believed because he saw the indisputable marks of the crucifixion. In the same vein, Jesus said to Thomas, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.” John 20:29. Thomas, like many of us must learn to take risk and make bold decisions based on God’s word alone and not on our logical understanding. As we take God at His word, we move into action bringing unprecedented blessings and godly values into our family, workplace and the social community. By faith, we set up mission platforms to reach out to the world and God will provide the resources needed. As we take the first step by faith, God will take the second and the third and so forth.
By faith, I make it a personal culture to rejoice at the face of every challenge. I seek to see the vision of God’s kingdom as God would see it in the future, and by faith I persevere and work it out. Faith is demonstrated not at a point in time, but over a protracted period while staying faithful to the path without veering from it.
God has given you a dream and you are working to fulfil that dream. Even though things may not seem to be moving all that quickly, or you may even be facing obstacles after obstacles, and setbacks after setbacks. I would like to encourage you to persevere and keep believing the words of promise and prophecy that God has spoken concerning you. The disciples hit a brick wall when their Master died and when all hope is gone, the word of God never fails; Jesus must resurrect because God said so. Today, God is saying the same words into your situation. God will stay true to His words concerning you, and at the right time you will see and reap the fruit of your labors. Keep believing no matter what, and you will have your day in the hall of faith.