Just Believe

“And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.” – Luke 1:45

“Lord, is this what You really want me to do? Or is it just my own desire?”

Agonizing for months over the Connecting with Christ Conference 2012, I desperately asked God these questions. Clearly I remember praying this prayer last April. Challenges had emerged throughout the conference planning process, which increased doubt in my mind. Despite frequently seeking God’s desire, I sometimes worried the CCC wasn’t His plan–but mine.  I was weary of wondering.

Then God spoke to me …

Within the hour, He unmistakably presented a verse. I had picked up my devotional in an effort to hear from Him. Immediately my eyes fell upon John 20:27, which authoritatively and comfortingly stated, “Stop doubting and believe …”

Unbelievable. But very believable. Suddenly I knew that I knew that I knew He. Was. In. This. If only I’d fully believed earlier, I’d have saved myself lots of inner turmoil. Yet God patiently heard my repeated prayers. Undeniably He spoke through His living Word and assured me of His plan. This treasured memory still strengthens me.

Thousands of years ago another woman heard God speak–Mary. Likely a teenager, she respectfully listened to the angel and responded, “Behold, the bond slave of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word …” (Luke 1:38).

She didn’t doubt. But she did question–not if, but how. “… How can this be, since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34). Her inquiry wasn’t irreverent or impudent … more of an innocent curiosity. So the Lord explained the process through His messenger, Gabriel. That was enough for Mary. Oh, to embrace life with her kind of faith. God-given faith! And if we must ask, let’s do so with genuine interest about how God will accomplish what He’s already said. May the Lord replace our doubt-filled “ifs” with faith-filled “hows.”

Dear friend, what has the Lord spoken to you? Just believe!

“Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not say to you, if you believe, you will see the glory of God?'”               – John 11:40

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