Overcoming Unbelief

Have you ever felt like what you do doesn't matter? Have you ever thought that you are doing everything for nothing? Those sorts of thoughts have crossed my mind a few times, and it is likely that they have crossed the minds of some of you as well. However, that mindset is from the devil. He is trying to bring you down and distract you and make you forget that God has a purpose for you!

Steven Curtis Chapman sings a song called, "Do Everything." He sings, "While I may not know you, I bet I know you wonder sometimes, Does it matter at all? Well, let me remind you, it all matters just as long as you do everything you do to the glory of the One Who made you, 'cause He made you to do every little thing that you do to bring a smile to His face and tell the story of grace with every move that you make, and every little thing you do." Let these lyrics sink in as I move forward to back up Chapman's words with Scripture.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 says, "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." (NIV)

No matter what you may think, God has a plan for your life. And that plan can be strengthened by accepting Christ as your Lord and Savior, if you haven't already. He is the only Way to heaven, as John 14:6 says, " 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father but by Me.' " (NIV) In Romans 10:9-10, my favorite Scripture verses, Paul says, "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." (NIV) It all begins with Christ. He is where we find our purpose!

John C. Maxwell notes, "Trust and obey God, because He is the ultimate Judge." Faith and trust in God are very powerful tools. Proverbs 3:5-6 even says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." (NIV)

While all of this can apply to anyone, these next points especially apply to leaders.

Maxwell points out ten ways that godly leaders should think. He answers the question, "So, how are godly leaders to think?" His points are as follows (each is a direct quote):

1. Godly leaders think big: They realize God's vision is usually bigger than theirs.
2. Godly leaders think other people: They always include others in the mix.
3. Godly leaders think continually: They're not satisfied with today's answers.
4. Godly leaders think bottom line: They want to see results and fruit.
5. Godly leaders think continual growth: They want to keep improving.
6. Godly leaders think without lines: They let God outside of the box.
7. Godly leaders think victory: They want to see God's rule come to earth.
8. Godly leaders think intuitively: They have a sense of what will work.
9. Godly leaders think servanthood: They want to serve and add value to people.
10. Godly leaders think quickly: They evaluate quickly and see possible answers.

Let's take a look at one of these points in particular. We can view Number 9 in light of what Jesus said in Matthew 20:28: " 'Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.' " (NIV) And we are to follow Christ's example of servanthood. Even leaders are able to do this by being servant leaders, serving their followers and not thinking of themselves more highly than they ought to (see Romans 12:3).

Thinking is very powerful. We should not become like those Paul speaks of in Romans 1:21: "For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile..." (NIV)

After all, having doubts and not believing in oneself begins with one's thoughts, right???? However, there is light at the end of the tunnel, and, provided that we take hold of it and allow it to, it can shed bright light in even the darkest places.

In his song, "Only a Mountain," Jason Castro sings, "Just a little bit of faith can change it all, change it all! This is only a mountain; you don't have to find your way around it. Tell it to move; it'll move! Tell it to fall; it'll fall! This is only a moment; you don't have to let your fear control it. Tell it to move; it'll move! Tell it to fall; it'll fall!"

In Matthew 17:20, Jesus says, " 'I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, "Move from here to there," and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.' " (NIV) Let's take special note of a word used in this verse. Jesus did not say that the mountain may move. No, He says that it will move! There is definite power in the Name of Jesus, and that power is bestowed upon those who place their faith and hope in Him!

The Life Application Study Bible commentates the following on that verse: "If you are facing a problem that seems as big and immovable as a mountain, turn your eyes from the mountain and look to Christ for more faith. Only then will your work for Him become useful and vibrant."

I have explained all of that to conclude with this: We should not doubt! " ' "If you can"?' said Jesus. 'Everything is possible for him who believes.' Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!' " (Mark 9:23-24, NIV) Replace your doubts, fears, and unbelief with faith and trust in Jesus and His promises!

Father, thank You for everything You have given me. I am blessed abundantly, spiritually and materially. Forgive me for all of my sins, including unbelief. Increase my faith and help me to trust in You more and more. Thank You! In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.

God bless you!