Handful of Promises Bible Study – Believe

It is so easy to believe that which our eyes see. We believe the sun is shining when we look out and see the rays dance across the sky. When we see the trees bend, we believe in the wind. When we see the smile of a child, we believe in happiness.

But what about the things you cannot see? Is it as easy for you to believe those things?

Believing what you can’t see

Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)

Are you a Doubting Thomas? Do you need proof before you believe? Do you need visible fact before you can believe in Jesus? Thomas knew Jesus had been crucified, and despite what Jesus had told him about being resurrected, Thomas was not convinced until he saw proof….the holes in the hands and the side of Jesus.

What has it taken in your life for you to believe in Jesus?

Believing in your inheritance

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. (John 1:12)

Belief in our Savior gives us the precious privilege of being called a child of God. Our Father in heaven is waiting…waiting for us to believe and to call on the name of Jesus. When we do, He takes us into his loving arms and we are his.

Have you called on Jesus to be your Savior?

Do you believe…in his death, his resurrection, and his grace?

Believing makes us an example

And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:31)

Our belief affects more than just our own lives. When we live a life of belief in Christ, we are shining examples to others. This is especially true in our own homes. We have the power, through our belief, to shape the spiritual future of our spouse and children. We can also be that example of belief to family, friends, co-workers, and complete strangers.

Do you feel you are setting an example of belief within your family?

Are you that shining light to others around you, so that they might see Jesus through you and believe?

Believing in the Light

I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. (John 12:46)

What a comfort to know that even in our darkest moments, the light can still shine. When we believe, trust, and put our faith in Christ, he is a beacon of light in our deepest shadows. He reaches down and pulls us into the light, and we can face our most difficult circumstances, trusting him to be right there with us. When the enemy comes against us, our God is fighting for us. We need only to believe!

Can you think of a time when God was fighting for you?

In your darkest moments, has he been that source of light and strength?

Believing we can do good

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. (John 14:12-14)

So you say you believe. Is your belief evident to those around you?

When we believe, we want to do the work of the One we believe in. We want to bring glory to Him. We want to lead others to that same belief.

Are you doing good works that bring glory to God?

Are you doing what you can to lead others to believe?

When you think about it, God doesn’t really ask that much of us. He asks that we put our faith, our trust, our belief in him. He asks that we love others and treat them as we would like to be treated. He asks us to extend the same grace to others that we receive from him. He asks us to share the gospel and shine his light for all to see.

When we set our hearts and minds to these tasks, they are not that difficult to accomplish. When we have a mindset that imitates Christ, we can do this and so much more. If we truly want to live a life that glorifies our Father, if this is our true heart’s desire, He will give us all we need to do so.

Is this the truest desire of your heart today?

Are you ready to be an imitator of Christ to those around you?

Have you cast your doubt aside, and filled your heart with true belief, or is there a little bit of Thomas still lingering in your thoughts?

Shake off your doubt, fill up on faith, and let yourself experience a life that is filled with PROMISE. It’s simple…you gotta’ believe!