We are renewed as we believe God instead of doubts. We believe God’s truth over our own understanding or perceptions. As we trust the truth of God’s word, our faith grows and spiritual change takes place.
Hundreds of quotes exist, from all different backgrounds, that include the word, Believe. I saw this quote on an advertisement—“If you believe it, you can do it.” That struck me as funny. I believe in gravity, but that doesn’t mean I cause it. While often belief precedes accomplishment, just because I believe something doesn’t mean I can do it.
Let’s look at a definition of believe to help us with this idea.
Believe (verb)—to accept something as true, genuine, or real; to have a firm conviction as to the goodness, efficacy, or ability of something.
Believing God is the pivotal component of the SABERS cycle.
1 Thessalonians 2:13
For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.
Based on 1 Thessalonians 2:13, God is the One who performs His work in us. We can rewrite the above quote with, “God can do it; I believe it.” That is a life-changing belief.
Romans 4:2-3
For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Believing God’s word as truth is the essential foundation for our response to God.
John 6:29
Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.”
In order to accept something as true, we first recognize or acknowledge it as real or genuine. A firm conviction grows from evidence that is viewed as absolutely true. Trusting God is fundamental to our relationship. Whenever we feel distant from God in our Christian walk, it always comes back to belief and trust in Him.