What is believing?

I believe that it is better to believe in circumstances that seem unbelievable. The unbelievable circumstances are what stretches your faith, and not necessarily the ones we easily deem, as “believable.” Without unbelief, why would believing in something, or someone seem so important? Why would it have an impact on someone’s life? I believe in the power of belief. We need someone to believe in us. We need someone to say to us, “I believe in YOU. I believe YOU are capable. I believe YOU are always worth it. I believe YOU have what it takes.” I believe that belief is important. Imagine all the things you used to, still do, and wish you could believe in . . . 

Fairy Tales

Santa Claus

Happily Ever After

The Tooth Fairy

Love

The Easter Bunny

Did you notice anything from my list? Apart from the memories, good or bad, that entered your head while reading the list, what did you think of? Do you have happy memories of these items? Do some cause your neck to tense and throat to get tight? Some of my most favorite movies all center on a fairy tale with a “happily ever after” kind of ending.

She makes it home by midnight & the shoe fits. Prince Eric rescues his mermaid princess, Ariel, as they destroy the enemy witch, Ursula. Mr. Warbucks adopts Annie. Fraulein Maria marries Captain Vaughntrap, and is the mother to his seven kids. Pollyanna learns to walk again. Anne writes her book on “Green Gables,” and marries Gilbert Blythe.   And they all lived, “happily ever after.” The End. 

Christmas, in my family, has always been a big deal. Lots of presents. Lots of cookies. Lots of movies. Lots of music. Lots of family time. My family’s christmas would be similar to any average christmas on steroids. . . 

The night before Santa came, my Mom always put 3 or 4 oatmeal raisin cookies (my dad’s favorite, of course) on a bright red plate that read, “You are Special” around its edges. Along with a carrot or two, and stick of celery for Rudolph, our favorite reindeer, and a glass of chilled milk for the big guy, she set the table. We would watch as she placed each portion of “Santa’s snack” perfectly at the head. Stockings ready on the fireplace (we didn’t have a cool mantle like cool people), presents under the tree, and each of our designated present-opening “spots” were cleared and ready for action. As my mom would tuck me in bed, she strongly encouraged me to hurry and get to sleep, so that Santa would come, and morning could come faster!! --How many of you fell for that trick, too?-- My heart would skip a beat as I imagined my dear, jolly friend, sitting in the driver’s seat of that bright red sleigh, riding along, humming Christmas songs all the way to 1776 Spring Hollow Drive. . . 

Joy 

Excitement

Purpose

Freedom

Pleasure 

Contentment 

Are these feelings and emotions associated with your beliefs? Is it hard for you to find joy in believing? It is easy to see the blue skies and rainbows version of believing while reliving our Christmas traditions and movie story lines, but what about the teenage girl that has never been told she is beautiful, why should she believe she is? What about the little boy who didn’t make the football team, and now doesn’t believe his Dad will ever love him the same. What about the widow whose husband was killed by a drunk driver and now doesn’t believe she has the strength to breathe? What about the little boy who was sexually abused and beaten by his mom’s new boyfriend and is now made to believe it is his fault that his real daddy left him. . . 

What are they to believe? 

Can fairy tales and happy endings help? Will cookies and milk fix all their problems and mend broken pieces back together? 

Maybe this is one of the questions you are longing to have answered. Maybe this is a question you have wrestled with throughout this entire chapter, or maybe even throughout your entire life. If you are feeling this way, or have in the past, BELIEVE me when I say, 

you are not alone. . .

You are not alone. . .

YOU (yes, you) are not alone!

“Despite all the miraculous signs Jesus had done, 

most of the people still did not believe in him.”

John 12:37

Did you catch that? The gospel writer, John, says “most,” meaning, the majority, the largest number, almost all the people could not make themselves believe... in JESUS! No matter how much He proved himself to be the Lord of Lords and King above ALL Kings, they just couldn’t do it. . .

It doesn’t make sense

It’s TOO hard

It isn’t worth it

I would be the only one

It wont make a difference

It is impossible

The people who actually got to be near Jesus believed in lies from the enemy, just like these. And if I had to guess, I would say, “most” of you have, too. I know I have! But, amidst all the lies, doubt, and fear; there is good news!

He, the God of all creation, the former of your belly-button, the creator of laughter and sandy beaches, the painter of the sky, and artist of each sunset and every new borns’ face, this God, your God, The Father, your Heavenly Daddy, He believes in you!--Yes, you heard me correctly, I said, He believes in YOU! 

Believe it. 

Receive it. 

Perceive it. 

He believes in you! So why not believe in all He has in store for you. I know the world can offer you beautifully packaged crap. Trials, difficulties, illnesses, doubts, and fears will disappoint and discourage you from believing in your Father. But take heart, He is patient and will never tire of fighting for your heart, or waiting to be recognized for what He has done, and will continue to do in you. He doesn’t ask us for much; He won’t require more than you are able to offer. He is happy with as much as you are willing to give. But, why not give Him everything and believe in His power to transform, renew, save, and create you into being who He desires you to be. Why not believe in the power of His unfailing love. Unfailing love? Never? Yes. His love never fails . . . 

*I believe in your unfailing love.

I will rejoice because you have rescued me..*

Psalm 13:5

His thoughts of you are endless. His love for you is never ending. Believe in His promises. Rejoice in His love. Be filled with His will and desire for you. Believe in His name, His power, His authority, His grace, His forgiveness, and His belief. . . 

...

In You.

Hannah#