Do you believe in the power of belief?
Or let’s say, have you believed because you have seen? Or, do you believe even in things that you can’t see?
God said, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” This quote gives us the notion that, whilst we may not see God with our eyes, He is in our hearts.
The Almighty gave this world a proposal. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”
What is belief?
Belief is an individual view of something we can trust or have faith in; confidence in someone or something supernatural.
The core belief of Christianity is the acceptance of God’s sacrificial love for humanity’s redemption. This results in the Christian dogma that, no matter how sinful we human beings are, all can be reconciled to God through the gift of salvation and the promise of eternal life.
The followers of Hinduism believe there are multiple paths to reaching their God. Hindus believe in Samara’s doctrines, consisting of the continuous cycle of life, death, reincarnation and karma, the universal law of cause and effect. Hence, one of the critical thoughts of Hinduism is Atman or the belief in the soul.
Where do beliefs originate?
All people have their own convictions, but we can’t always be totally aware of how their ideas developed. Convictions about what to entrust our confidence and faith in can be reached in many varied ways, through logic and reasoning. We all interpret our beliefs differently and are witness to the existence of religious groups who introduce different ways of thinking. Despite these differences, we should respect the rights of the individual’s belief.
What is the Power of Belief?
Where do you think the power of your belief can take you?
Faith has the potential to empower performance to the highest level. Confidence impacts most aspects of life, such as business, education, relationships and society in general. Belief impacts everything.
Having a belief is essential; it drives us to do what we think is achievable. With sufficient confidence, the tendency is to do things with determination and, at best, more wisely. This idea is reliable because confidence empowers and creates structure for our endeavours.
The power of belief enables individuals to implement tasks to a greater extent of success, than without it. Consider the possibility also, however, that the power of belief may pull us down. Pressure can build as a result of external competition, or in response to difficult situations. The power of belief may lead to overconfidence. Remember, what you believe is your choice and the outcome solely depends on your own decision.
Experience the power of your own belief. See how it works in the middle of unexpected circumstances. Without trust there can be no hope of overcoming the world. But by God’s grace we are saved through our confidence in Him.
What is the Impact of Belief?
In times of distress, suffering and tribulation, our faith brings us sunshine. We know deep in our hearts that our trust in God gives us hope. Our hearts are full of the peace and joy in believing. We sense that the Holy Spirit empowers us to abound in hope. Without faith there is no hope.
True faith believes in, seeks and draws closer to God through prayer. We gain full trust and confidence by walking with Him every day and believe that, under God’s power, we are safe.
Our belief in God brings light into our lives. He is the one who empowers us to achieve success and have a positive impact on others.
The Power of Belief has Divine Timing
Believe in the power of your faith. Believe, trust and put your confidence in God. The power of belief comes with divine timing.
When life seems compromised, our spirits should be uplifted by our belief. Faith, associated with our religious belief, comes with perfect timing.
When life seems dark, don’t forget to hold on to your belief. It will surely give you a positive outlook on life and help you to overcome the struggles.
Ravi Zacharias, now a famous preacher, was saved from an attempted suicide. It was the turning point in his life and the result was a great blessing in disguise, because it led him to a new faith. His life was changed. This new religious belief came into his life with divine timing.
Sometimes things seem to arrive too late. But we must remember that God is never late. Keep in mind that God’s timing is perfect and worth waiting for. There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens.
The Power of Belief in Ten Bible Stories
What evidence do we have that the power of belief in God works? Let’s witness and learn from how faith works through these ten biblical accounts:
1 – The Boy with an Unclean Spirit
If an unclean spirit possessed your son, would you trust Jesus to heal him?
There was a father who brought his very sick son to Jesus. No one could heal the boy.
The father was anxious for his son; he was all he had. Wanting only to preserve his son’s life the father, with all the faith he could muster, trusted in Jesus for healing. Christ knew and saw this. He commanded the evil spirit to come out of the child’s body.
Christ’s words enlivened and awoke the boy who stood up beaming, entirely healed. All who witnessed this miraculous event were astounded, including Christ’s disciples.
2 – The Shunammite Woman
Have you ever shown a warm welcome and kindness to a stranger?
Be an eyewitness to a woman who displayed goodness to Elisha and received God’s reward.
One day God’s prophet Elisha visited Shunem where a wealthy woman and her elderly husband lived. She invited Elisha to stay and eat with them. She even arranged for an extra room to be built onto their home, so that Elisha could stay there whenever he visited. Despite her kindness she expected nothing in return.
Elisha wanted to repay the favour to the Shunammite woman and upon enquiry, discovered that she had never had children.
The prophet told the woman that she would conceive a son by God’s grace, and that is exactly what happened! What a wonderful reward.
3 – Talitha, Jairus’ Daughter
Have you ever heard of anyone who has been raised from the dead in recent times? It sounds impossible, right?
Jairus, an official in the local synagogue, had a daughter aged twelve, who fell very ill. He had heard about Jesus and the miracles He had performed, and knew just what he must do.
He found Jesus and begged for his daughter’s healing. While awaiting Jesus’ response, the news arrived that the girl was already dead.
Despite this news, Jesus told Jairus not to worry and hold on to his belief.
Jesus, Peter, James and John went to Jairus’s house. They heard the agonizing cries and wailing coming from within but He gave them hope.
He assured them that Talitha was not dead but only asleep. Jesus took the girl’s hand and told her to get up.
Talitha opened her eyes, got up and started to walk around. How incredible was Jairus’ power of belief! Imagine if all parents had such faith.
4 – The Woman who Touched Jesus’ Cloak
How is your faith in God? How deep is your belief in His power? Are you willing to entrust Him with your own healing?
While Jesus was on His earthly ministry, many witnessed His miracles and believed in Him. Most of the time believers were crowding around Him on every side.
There was a woman who had suffered terribly from severe bleeding for twelve years. She had spent all her money on her treatment to no avail. One day she learnt that Jesus was in the area. She had heard of His power to heal.
So it was that she went out to find Him, and joined the crowd of His followers. She believed that if she could just touch Jesus’ cloak it would be enough for her to be healed. Although struggling, she persisted to edge ever closer to the Master Healer. She stretched out her hand and briefly grasped His cloak. Immediately, she felt a change and strength within her and the bleeding stopped instantly!
Jesus knew that power had gone out of Him, so He turned to the crowd.
“Who touched my clothes?” He asked. How could anyone tell in such a throng.
Then Jesus’ eyes fell upon the woman and He told her, “My daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your trouble.”
What a miraculous power of belief! Although seemingly unbelievable, it was possible through God’s grace and mercy.
5 – The Widow’s Son
Have you experienced the power of your belief when a loved one has died?
Testify of God’s love and compassion in times of grief.
One day Jesus and His disciples arrived in Nain, together with a large crowd that was tagging along.
As they entered through the town gate, Jesus witnessed a crowd following a stretcher with a corpse being carried out. It was the body of a young man, the only son of a widow. The mother was in great distress but Jesus said to her, with compassion, “Do not weep.”
Jesus asked the men carrying the stretcher to lower it. He then commanded the young man to get up. Lo and behold, the boy sat up and began to speak and Jesus gave him back to his mother.
All the people who saw the miracle praised and glorified God above.
6 – Lazarus’ Death
Attest to the power of belief in God.
Truly, faith can make all things possible, even in times of death.
Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha, lived in Bethany. Apart from His disciples, they were probably Jesus’ closest friends. One day Lazarus became gravely ill. Jesus was far away when He received the news and by the time He arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been dead for four days.
The relatives were all mourning their loss and the corpse had already been sealed in a tomb.
Mary and Martha wept in despair and cried to Jesus that, if He had only been there, Lazarus might have been healed.
Jesus wept. His followers were still unable to understand His real mission— to bring them the hope of resurrection and everlasting life. Yes, whoever believes in Him will live, even though they die.
Jesus went to the tomb. He asked for the stone to be removed. The people were amazed at this request, because it had been four days since Lazarus had died and there was already an odour.
The Lord glorified His Father and then called with a loud voice for Lazarus to come out.
At that moment, Lazarus walked out from within the tomb, alive! The people were stunned. They quickly removed his grave clothes and Jesus restored Lazarus to his family.
7 – The Canaanite Woman’s Faith
God is a God of sympathy, regardless of your belief. As long as you have faith in His power, He will never refuse if you ask for help.
As Jesus was leaving the region of Tyre and Sidon, a Canaanite woman came crying to Him. She asked for mercy for her demon-possessed daughter, who was suffering terribly.
Jesus did not utter a word and His followers told Him to send the woman away.
Rather than do what His disciples said, Jesus wanted them to realize that He had come to save the lost. Still waiting for a response, the woman continued to beg for mercy and Jesus was astonished at her faith.
He then told the woman that, because of her faith, her request was granted and her daughter was, indeed, healed.
Could you do the same thing as the Canaanite woman? Imagine the type of miracle that might result from your faith.
8 – A Woman Crippled for 18 Years
Have you been ill for many years and felt helpless at finding healing?
Hold on to the power of your belief. There is the power of healing for those who never lose hope and remain faithful.
While Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, a woman crippled by a spirit for eighteen years caught His attention.
Jesus sympathized with her condition. Her back was bent and she was unable to stand straight. Imagine her difficult situation and yet she still attended the meetings to hear God’s Word.
Jesus called her to come to Him for healing. He touched her with His hands and at once the woman’s infirmity left her.
Remember when there seems to be no hope, turn to God. Seek healing through His grace and mercy.
9 – The Blind Man at Bethsaida
You may be physically blind or blinded by your views. Believe and claim God’s eye salve for you to see things more clearly.
On Jesus’ mission to Bethsaida, a blind man came begging for healing. Jesus took him by the hand and led him outside the village.
Jesus spat on the ground, made clay, and applied the poultice to the man’s eyes. The man was totally healed that day and his vision became clear.
10 – Job’s Unshakable Power of Belief
Can we hold on to the power of belief in the middle of suffering? Or do we only think practically, letting go of God’s promises and doing things our way?
Witness how Job manifested unshakable faith and devotion to God.
Job was a very wealthy and powerful man from the land of Uz. He lived a peaceful life until Satan summoned God to test this man’s loyalty.
The battle for Job’s life began. He suffered for no valid reason. All at once his entire wealth, his wife, children and friends were gone. Not only did he lose all his possessions, but he was cursed with leprosy—a grievous disease without cure in those days.
Yes, his flesh and spirit were tortured despite being totally innocent. Yet, he did not turn away from his faith nor once question God.
Despite his great misfortune, Job’s belief in God’s power remained steadfast. He never doubted the Almighty and never questioned his condition as being God’s will.
Rather than cursing, Job acknowledged and praised God’s presence! What great faith he had. Eventually, when Job had endured every evil and agony, God restored everything to him and twice as much wealth as before.
The Power of Belief in Modern Times
Miracles occur not only in biblical times. God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He did amazing things in the past; He still does today. Here is some evidence:
1 – The Power of Belief in God Saved a Boy’s Life: From Darkness
to Light
Imagine that your child’s life is in great danger. You do practically everything you can, but nothing happens. Could you put your trust in someone you can’t see? Would you trust God to heal your child?
Be inspired by this story of a young man who mislaid his faith.
The Mislaid Faith
There was once a young man who lost his faith in God entirely. Whatever the reason was, is unknown. Later, this man stated he was an atheist. He wrestled against the idea that there is anyone in control of the universe.
One day his child became very ill. He and his wife took their son to see many doctors in various health institutions. Despite having the means to support all his child’s needs, the boy remained ill.
In short, the man failed to find healing for his precious son. He felt empty and helpless. Even though he had sufficient financial resources to pay for the best doctors, none was able to successfully treat the child. His money was powerless.
In spite of his lack of success, the man continued to look for a specialist. Naturally, he wanted his son to be cured. Finally, the most capable doctor told him directly that there was no hope for the child’s condition. The only course of action would be to take the boy home.
This news was ‘killing’ the father inside and with a heavy heart, he returned home with his son. Suddenly, the sickly, weak boy asked, “Dad, will I die?”
This simple, innocent question crushed the father’s heart. He didn’t know how to answer; he could do nothing but hug his little one.
While he was putting his son to sleep, he still wondered if there was someone who could save his son. He and his wife thought about what they could do next.
The Angel
Do you believe in God’s divine timing?
God knows when to send help in His own perfect time and way.
The following day the couple heard a knock on their door. A man named Pastor Daniel stood outside. To their surprise, Pastor Daniel told them that he knew about their son’s illness and that he had come to pray for him.
The wife allowed the pastor to pray for their child despite the husband’s atheism.
Before Pastor Daniel left, he told the couple not to forget to kneel before God and ask for their child’s healing. The man became angry and asked his wife if she had invited the pastor, telling her repeatedly that there is no God. The wife calmly answered that she had not invited anyone.
The wife considered the pastor’s words. She felt there was no harm in trying to initiate a prayer but her husband refused to join her.
In tears she pleaded with her husband to realize that they had already tried every doctor except for the one Great Physician. Her inspiring words gradually touched the man’s heart. Finally, he got down on his knees and listened as his wife prayed.
The Restoration
God saves. Despite our disobedience and disbelief, He is so good as to restore us; this is His salvation plan—He wants to save us all.
The following morning they awoke and were astounded to find their child was out of bed and playing as if he had never been ill!
The man’s faith in God surged and was restored.
A little while later they tried to find Pastor Daniel, without success. To this day they have been unable to trace the pastor, but they still thank God for him in their prayers. Whoever this man was, they genuinely believe he must have been an angel sent by God to help them.
Whatever our level of faith right now, we have our reasons. Everyone has their beliefs and whom they choose to trust in. Inevitably there is someone who controls the entire universe. God is the beginning and the end of everything in this world and beyond.
2 – Ravi Zacharias: Awe-Inspiring Conversion
How can you tell that God is at work in your life? Do you feel God’s marvellous ways changing you?
God uses people to straighten our path. Here is Ravi’s story of conversion.
Ravi Zacharias was an Indian-born Canadian-American Christian apologist who founded the Ravi Zacharias International Ministry. With forty years in the ministry, he was a Christian preacher known for his inspiring way of delivering messages.
Before he became involved in Christian ministry, Ravi’s adolescent years were spent quite contrary to his later teachings. When he was just seventeen years old, he was so far thrown from his faith that he contemplated suicide. His failed attempt to take his own life was surprising. God’s way and timing were just perfect and guided him towards an incomprehensible but promising future.
During his recovery in the hospital, someone left him a copy of a book that would change his life. He believed that this single event was God’s turning point for him, and that whoever brought the book was inspired by God to do so.
The life story of Ravi Zacharias provides insights for us. We all have decisions to make. The power is ours to choose. Will we follow God’s way or our own?
What had happened to Ravi was undeniably God’s work. The dramatic events of his early life brought fresh light to him, a new ray of hope and a reason to live. God truly works in mysterious ways and at times we least expect.
3 – Escape from Death: A Boy’s Miraculous Healing
Have you accepted a faith but never practice it? Do you believe in God but keep ignoring Him until something terrible happens? Think carefully before you answer honestly.
The Slaybaugh family had twin sons. When they were just five years old, a car with faulty brakes accidentally ran over one of the boys. The boy’s skull was severely fractured and he was unconscious for many days. The physicians gave the parents little hope of the boy’s survival.
Prior to this incident, the family claimed to have a Christian faith although they did not practice it. Now they found themselves in the midst of a life and death crisis concerning their dear son. Although they did not attend church, they called upon the ministers to pray for their son’s healing.
The boy was miraculously healed and even the doctors attributed this healing to divine power. This event marked the beginning of the restoration of the family’s faith.
Today the Slaybaugh family is actively involved in the healing ministry.
God really works in mysterious ways. Let God heal you. He truly is the one and only Great Healer.
4 – Shangla: God’s Healing Brings Hope in Northern India
Despite religious intolerance in the northern part of India, Shangla believed that the Spirit of God would work in his life. Shangla was told that he would never walk again. Out of desperation, he made several attempts to find a cure, even once approaching a magician.
Shangla failed to find a cure for himself. Then a friend advised him to meet a Christian pastor to which he agreed. They had several visits and prayers together.
After two months, Shangla was miraculously walking again! God had completely healed him. Shangla has been able to return to work and continually shares his story, testifying to God’s healing power. The power of our belief is genuinely remarkable.
5 – True Faith: God Saved a Daughter’s Life
Have you experienced the power of prayer? Be an eye-witness to Li Qin’s story, experiencing the power of God in her life.
One day, Li Qin received a phone call with the news that her eldest daughter had been severely injured in a car accident and was unconscious. She rushed to the hospital where was told that it was unlikely her daughter would survive. Li Qin could not just accept this would be her daughter’s fate. She felt faint as if she had been stabbed in the heart. With tears streaming down her face she knelt down to pray. Li Qin trusted God would heal her daughter. She then waited patiently for God to answer.
Li Qin realized that whether she lived or died, her daughter’s fate was in God’s hands. God strengthened her belief. She put her hope and trust in God and finally her daughter regained consciousness. She knew that it was God’s great power that had healed her daughter and thanked God repeatedly.
Today, whenever she is in distress, Li Qin knows that she must pray to God, rely on Him and seek His truth.
The Fruit of Belief
The fruit of our faith is timely. In times of great tribulation that overshadows our peace and joy, a miracle may occur as a result of our belief.
Trust God, put your hope in Him and believe in the strength of His power. Nothing is impossible with the pillar of faith that is God. Faith in Him is our leading assurance to overcome life’s obstacles. We can have confidence that He will never leave us.
This world is the enemy’s land at times. We often fail to overcome worldly deceptions in their various forms. But we can withstand anything if we place our confidence in God. Although we cannot see or touch God, we have the assurance of His presence and that is enough for us to believe. We remain firm in the faith and commit ourselves to trust God in every situation. When our faith works, God responds beyond human comprehension.
Remember the proverb to trust in the Lord with all your heart and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths. With God’s gift of wisdom we shall clearly see the truth. We don’t need to doubt or question God. Just believe in Him.
Believe in God. Put your life under His authority. Experience the undeniable power of your faith. More inspiring messages are waiting for you when you tune in to ‘Chasing Hope’ podcasts and blogs.
