The good news granted to us by God through Jesus Christ is wonderful beyond description. But it is important to note that what a person believes will determine whether they experience this amazing good news or not. God has declared you and I righteous through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Apostle Paul wrote, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21  That is why the Scripture says, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Jn 8:36 No more shame and no more guilt! Yes! A life of glorious freedom and victory is in store for those who believe! 

As I say so often, the most important word in the Bible is the word believe. It is so crucial that you take careful inventory of what you genuinely believe! What you genuinely believe is determined by the thoughts that dominate your mind. Your most prevalent thoughts are a declaration of what you believe and where your life is heading.

Are your thoughts positive because they are based on the truth of Jesus Christ, or are they negative? Negative thoughts are thoughts that are based on what is visible – positive thoughts are those that are based upon the unseen. What have you put your hope in? When you are suddenly faced with challenges, who or what do you go to for help? Is God your answer, or are you trusting in something natural?

Those who choose to put the total weight of their trust in God are those who will find their heart at peace and at rest. The rest that we are talking about is so vital that the Bible clearly warns us to ensure that we don’t fall short of it through unbelief.

Hebrews 4:1-3b Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. 2 For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did, but the message they heard was of no value to them because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed. 3 Now, we who have believed enter that rest.

Good works will never be the avenue through which one can please God! Pleasing God comes down to simple, childlike faith! Jesus was very clear when he said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Mat 18:3 What a mistake it is to expend our mental efforts trying to figure out God or impress him with our works. Jesus shed his precious blood to free us from self-righteousness and give us the opportunity to enter into the promised land of rest. When we believe God, the Spirit of his rest comes upon us, and the application of all Christ has done for us becomes our way of life!

How extremely vital it is to carefully consider what you are trusting in! While many base their life upon the shaky ground of jobs, spouses, families, or even their churches, God calls us to put our complete trust upon him and his forever settled word! Graphic disappointment lies ahead for those who put their trust in the things of this world, while those who put the entirety of their life in the Lord’s hands can look forward to a life of peace and rest!

Don’t allow this Encouraging Note to pass you by without carefully considering what you are trusting in? Oh my dearest friend, what a wonderful life of sweet rest is awaiting those who will…

JUST BELIEVE