Only Believe

I would like you to open your bible to Matthew chapter 17, verse 21. If you don’t own a bible, or can’t put your hands on one right now, there’s Google.

Do you notice anything? In most bibles, verse 21 does not exist; it goes from 20 to 22. In the bibles that do have verse 21, “fasting” is the last word. However, there are some translations where Jesus continues with, “Only believe”.

Jesus was talking to the disciples, and He also tells Jairus, the leader of the synagogue in Capernaum, to only believe.  

What is the outcome of only believing? In Matthew 17:20, Jesus tells His disciples, “if you have faith…Nothing will be impossible for you.” – this is the outcome when you add belief to faith. If it was an equation it may look like, (Faith+Believe)-Doubt=Only Believe. (I chuckle)

It is by faith that you will bring things out of the spiritual realm into the physical realm. Faith is the bridge. You will see a difference in how you receive from God, when you truly grasp this.

Mark 11:24 (NIV),

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

So far so good. But going back a bit to verse 23, we read,

“Truly I tell you, if anyone…does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.”

You must have faith, only believe and don’t doubt in your heart. You may recall that heart means, with everything that is you. You have work to do.

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” – John 15:7 (NIV)

God has already provided everything that you need; He has done His part, now you have to do yours.

Remain in Christ and allow His words to remain in you.

You have been given the measure of faith. Don’t be like the disciples who asked Jesus to increase their faith. You already have faith, put it to work, use it. Not using it, is like having an employee who sits around doing nothing all day. What’s the sense in that? 

Romans 10:17 tells us that faith comes by hearing the Word. So, read the Bible aloud. Pray and ask God to guide you to someone whose preaching is spiritually and scripturally sound and listen to him or her. Get the Word into your ears and into your heart. God’s faith-filled Word bolsters your faith.

No matter what you feel, hear (from others) or see, do not doubt. It’s challenging but you’ve got to try. Call on the Holy Spirit to help you. People have a habit of saying things that tear you down, causing you to second guess and feel disheartened. You know what God said to you and about you; you know what He promised you. Do not listen to those whose mouths are containers of pessimism.

You must persevere in prayer. Pray and keep on praying with thanksgiving. Always thank God for all He has done, is doing and will do. Being truly thankful glorifies God, your focus becomes fixed on Him and He is magnified. As you express your gratitude, your connection to God is strengthened, you become more sensitive to the movement of His Spirit within you and less anxious about your life.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

Only believe. Yes, only believe because it is possible for belief and disbelief to co-exist.

“Everything is possible for one who believes. Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” – Mark 9:23-24 (NIV)

Like this man, petition God to help you overcome your unbelief. Do not entertain unbelief. Fight against it by reminding yourself of the measure of faith that is more than enough. Believe God’s Word more than what people say and more than the lies you may be telling yourself. To only believe seems a tall order but you have to train yourself to do it. Doubt has a way of surreptitiously slipping in and counteracting your faith, so you need to be on your guard. Prove4rbs 4:23 is clear, “Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.” (GNT). When you only believe, you appropriate everything that God has provided for you through Christ’s sacrifice.

Only believe and manifest the miraculous in your life.

 

 

Shelley Johnson “Only Believe” © February 1, 2025