In the kingdom of God, believing is a prerequisite to receiving. God spoke to Mary and gave the assurances He always gives when He assigns the impossible to His people. Everything was in place for God to act. Everything waited on Mary to believe Him. Once she believed, it was done! It takes an undivided heart to believe under such circumstances and a pure heart to see God (Matt. 5:8; Heb. 12:14). This has always been God's way with His people. Mary could not see all that had been arranged and assembled in the courts of heaven. She could not see the legions of angels prepared to protect her and her baby. She was unaware of the future and all that she and her child would face. All she knew was that God had spoken to her, and that was enough. So she responded: “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word”(Luke 1:38). When God speaks about His plans, He does so with everything already in place to fulfill His word. God never speaks hypothetically. He knows exactly what will come to pass. He simply asks you to believe Him. You will experience great blessing when you place your absolute trust in Him. Mary could not have dreamed all that would result from her faithful obedience. Likewise, you cannot possibly imagine all that God has in store for you when you trust Him. He knows exactly what He will do to bring salvation to someone you have prayed for or to heal your friend or to provide for your needs. God has everything in place. Will you believe Him? - Blackaby Experiencing God Day by Day
We don't believe because we see Spiritually, we see Spiritually because we believe.
Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed?
Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.” John 20:29 NASB
Singularly, in this time of year, there's a huge emphasis in Christmas stories about believing in that which we don't see or cannot see.
Stories of a big man in a red suit traveling the world delivering presents or coal. Of his sleigh and reindeer. Of an animated snowman. Of...well...you get the picture (yes, the pun is intended).
The greatest thing ever in the history of the human race is only in what we who live today have never seen. It was the birth of Jesus over 2,000 years ago. That birth, that life, and yes, that death, have done more to impact every single human being than any other event in history. His resurrection couldn't be stopped. The Holy Spirit is here today because of the obedience of the Son of God.
Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed?
Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.”
Really consider those words. Why? Because, whether or not you have your head in the sand in denial, countless millions die because they believe.
But what is so awesome about that...is not one of them tasted death. Every single person who is a believer in Jesus Christ is immediately in His presence when they leave this world.
How is that supposed to be uplifting and encouraging? Speaking of death and dying?
Oh my dear reader, consider the facts! You who wish to have eyes that see!
Jesus was born at exactly the right time.
Jesus was born in obedience.
Jesus was wrapped in swaddling clothes. Do you know what those are? Burial clothes. Yes, Jesus was wrapped in Joseph's burial clothes. Nobody in that day traveled without an outfit to be buried in. It financially took everything they had to be obedient to go to Bethlehem for this census. Satan took em for all their money. Thinking that would be a discouragement. So God brought gold, frankincense and myrrh. Bank account went from less than zero to that of a King.
No place to stay. Yet where they were staying was the perfect place. Because all travelers would indeed find them.
As if those weren't enough, the Heavenly host sang out. The whole countryside heard the joyful sound.
But still that's not the end of the story.
A bit over 33 years later Jesus was beaten, mocked, ridiculed and nailed to a cross.
Oh, you say in your sarcasm, this is just a wonderful story at Christmas.
Don't give up now!
After suffering and dying on a cross He didn't deserve, Jesus arose from the dead! That same hallelujah chorus rang out after He came up out of the grave! Sin was defeated! Death was defeated!
Why? Why would Jesus do that?
You ask the question.
You are the answer.
He went through the pain, the agony, even the separation from His Father...all for you.
Now, here's your catch, here's your choice.
All it takes is believing in what you haven't seen in order to gain what could never be yours without doing so.
Salvation is free. The gift of Salvation has been paid for in the blood of Jesus.
I don't know about you, but believing in Jesus, in what He did for real, to save me, is far more important than stories of a big man in a red suit or a talking snowman.
This time of year is among the loneliest.
People really see who cares and who doesn't. We are reminded of those who are no longer with us. We look differently on those who still are.
Share the real story of Christmas this year.
Share what great things God has done for you.
If He hasn't yet...ask Him! His gift is for you.
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