Christmas...Is seeing “believing?” Maybe for the eyes, but not the heart!

We have considered the unwilling heart and the seeking heart. Let’s look at the believing heart.

A huge crowd was watching the famous tightrope walker, Blondin, cross Niagara Falls one day in 1860. He crossed it numerous times—a 1,000 foot trip, 160 feet above the raging waters. He asked the crowd if they believed he could take one person across. All said yes. Then he approached one man and asked him to get on his back and go with him. The man refused! Mental or even verbal agreement is not real "belief". ^[1]

It’s easy to say you believe…doing it is another matter. What does it mean to believe?

Believe: To remain steadfast; to be persuaded; to adhere to, rely on

Matthew 1:18–25 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.”  And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus.

There is a lot of talk about believing BUT not so much talk about obeying! That is the test when it comes to belief. Do I trust, adhere or rely on what God states enough to obey Him? When I do…then I know the belief has moved from my head only, to now include my heart and my will.

When we move from seeking to “believing”, one key element will be highlighted.

Our response will not be based on WHAT we know, but WHO we know!

Joseph could not comprehend what God was going to do…but he could understand what God wanted him to do.

Remember, real belief, does not require full comprehension…if that were the case no one could believe in God except God!

We have good examples of those who believed without all the facts.

Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going.

Romans 4:19–21 Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb; yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.

                 

Abraham obeyed based on God not himself or the facts.

Some might take issue with me – however, we have a primary example of how unimportant having the facts are when the heart is unwilling to obey. Consider:

Judas…he walked, talked, lived with Jesus – he witnessed everything Jesus did, yet refused to follow.

You can have ALL the facts…the issue will never be anything else but YOU!        

Not what you feel or what the circumstances are, or what is popular. It is and will remain what is in your heart. 

This Christmas…What is God calling you to obey Him in? Will you say you believe and not move…or will you seek His help to obey His desire for your life this coming year?

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^[1] Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 illustrations : A treasury of illustrations, anecdotes, facts and quotations for pastors, teachers and Christian workers. Garland TX: Bible Communications.