Believing.

If I am honest about it, believing doesn't always come easily. Sure, on good days believing is a easy as breathing. I don't even think about it. But not all days are good days. Believing takes some effort.

Scripture tells us that believing is vital. John 3:16 says that is "believing" in Him (Jesus) is the way to eternal. Believing, it seems, is basic building block of faith.

So what is believing? Blind acceptance? An unquestioning heart? Unquivering hope? Does believing mean never being scared? Does it mean never doubting?

I hope not. If it is, then I don't have it.

It seems to me that believing is equal parts holding on and letting go. We hold on to the promises of God. Promises that tell us that God is still actively at work in all that has been made. God, like the potter working the clay, is molding, shaping us and all creation. And at the same time, believing is letting go. Since we do not have absolute, definitive proof of God or God's plan for us, believing requires a leap of faith--a letting go into God.

The Bible is full of stories of people who have held on to faith in God during difficult times. And if we look closely, we can also see stories of people who know that believing is not always easy. As the father of boy with afflicted with seizures said to Jesus Lord, I believe, help my unbelief. Faith is never perfect. Belief and unbelief are often mixed together (Mark 9:24). 

Believing is not an issue of whether or not you have it. Believing is having it and not having it. Holding on--and letting go.

Given all this, what do I believe?

• I believe that it is God's mission to love us into life.

• I believe that God's love heals us even if we remain physically sick.

• I believe that hoarding is against God's plan--that we are called to be a generous and giving people.

• I believe that there is already enough food on our planet to feed the hungry,   but the problem is finding the ways to get the food to the hungry.

• I believe that God is present wherever 2 or 3 gather in his name.

• I believe that the church is never the building, but always the people who are gathered. Take away the building and you still have the church. Take away the people and you have an empty building.

• I believe that God's grace must come through the ears before it hits our hearts.

• I believe that all are welcome in the house of God, regardless of our past, or our present situations.

• I believe that nothing can separate us from the love of God is Christ Jesus.

• I believe that God has a plan for you.

God's blessings to you on your journey of faith,

Pastor Kevin