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By Mike Caton

John 16:31, “Do you now believe?” Jesus replied.

The disciples said Jesus was finally speaking clearly and that now they believed. But Jesus turns the question back on them. Do you believe? Think about what Jesus is really asking them; do you finally believe, do you really believe, do you firmly believe? You see that simple question can take many different twists and turns. Jesus is in no way belittling them, but he does want them to think about what it really means to believe.

Belief is not a wish or a hope; it is a conviction in something that you have firmly settled in your heart and mind. I believe this chair I am sitting in is going to hold me. I am not afraid of falling out, I am about as relaxed as I can be. Does that mean this chair will actually hold me? It held me yesterday with no problems. I have no way of knowing that for certain. But I’m willing to take my chances. It is the same with our belief or faith in Jesus. We are willing to trust him with our souls, our very selves. We have seen him take care of us before, we have examined the evidence and everything we have seen and heard tells us that Jesus is trustworthy, that he is who he claims to be. And so, we believe in him, we trust him, we have faith in him.

Two thoughts. One, if we really believe are we living like we believe? Are we living a life that shows our faith, our trust, our commitment to the Lord? Are there areas of inconsistencies that we need to deal with? And two, if you do not believe, why? What evidence do you need, what do you need to do to get to the bottom of who Jesus really is? God has provided all the information we need in his word. You owe it to yourself to check out that evidence.

Father, help me truly believe. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Mike Caton is the preacher at Mount Olive Church of Christ in Belhaven. He volunteers at the Ponzer Fire Department and works part time with Hyde County EMS. If you would like to receive daily devotions in your inbox, email mikecaton@centurylink.net.

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