Step 2: We came to believe that a power greater than outselves could restore use to sanity.

February 21

Scripture reading for today: Acts 22 – 24

…Anyone who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6 NIV

How different would our daily lives be if we believed this statement? I hear your protest – of course I believe this – you say. Really? Or is this a statement we acknowledge intellectually without truly believing…

“I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?”

“Yes, Lord,” she told him. John 11:25-27 NLT

Jesus has this conversation with Martha at a moment of great trial. Martha’s brother, Lazarus has died, and the family believes that he could have lived if Jesus had hastened to respond to their cries for help. Martha continues in this passage to give Jesus the theologically correct answer, saying that she has ALWAYS believed that he is – the Messiah, the son of God, the one who has come into the world from God. All true.

But her anxiety reveals a deeper truth. “…Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.”

Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” John 11:39-40 NLT

Worry and anxiety sometimes reveal more about what we truly believe than our church attendance records or our pontifications on theology.

Thought for today : Please don’t misunderstand. I’m not suggesting we run around chanting and rid ourselves of all anxiety. What I am asking from you is this: tell the truth. Recognize and acknowledge your true state of belief. It’s ok to say, “Lord, I believe – help me in my unbelief!” That’s the truth. Remember, it’s God who will take it from that point and move us to the next step in the process. Calling anxiety love and concern is deceitful; telling the truth invites God to have His way with us.

Thought for tomorrow:… Anyone who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6 NIV

Oh Lord, we believe. Help us in our unbelief to remember that you are in the business of blessing us as we seek you. No matter how dead we feel – or appear – in you we find life, and life abundant. Help me live the truth of this today, even if I don’t feel it.

February 21
Teresa McBean

Previous devotionals

Other links: www.crosswalk.com &  NACR Online