The Big 5نموونە

Day 1: Do You Believe?

Welcome to The Big 5 Plan! In the 10 days of this study, I hope to help you identify what you truly believe about God. I have found that what people think they believe is not really reflected in their lives. It leads to a question: Do I really know what I believe?

I want to help you discover what you really believe by challenging common beliefs that are contrary to God’s Truth with the Truth of the Word.

First, let’s start with one of the most well-known stories in the Bible, found in John 11: 1-44—the story of Jesus, Lazarus, Mary, and Martha.

Martha, the sister of Lazarus, was in a state of grief. Her older brother had died. And the only Person who could bring her comfort was nowhere to be found. She knew Jesus was the only One who could save them all. She had seen the Power of God on display as He healed and restored people. If He had just been there, her brother would not have died.

"Now that my brother has died, where is He? Why is He not here? What is taking Him so long? I thought He loved our family. Where is He?"

The family had been grieving for a few days and the Man known as the Savior, Healer, and Miracle Worker finally showed up. She cried out in grief and agony. In her frustration and anger, she asked Him questions, searching for answers. He greeted the grieving sister, promising that anyone who believes in Him will never die, and then asked her the question: “Do you believe in Me?”

Martha’s belief was challenged by her circumstances. Our beliefs are challenged daily as we encounter worldly opinions thrown at us through the latest social media posts, scandals, catchphrases, and buzzwords that are supposed to provide answers to a broken world. We take in information at a rapid pace designed to convince us what we should believe. And many times we make adjustments in our beliefs without even realizing it. For this reason, I’m confident most people don’t know what they believe.

When we believe something it affects our attitudes resulting in actions. We can look at our actions to trace back to what we really believe. When you really believe something, you carry it deep within you. You become immovable from your position of belief and belief is revealed through your actions. Those beliefs you’ve formed give direction to your life and dictate how you show up.

Why is it so important to know what we really believe? Because beliefs can shape our lives both positively and negatively. Beliefs have consequences so it’s important for us to discover what we really believe.

Even our own beliefs come out as opinions that we declare as truth to those around us. I do it all the time—I strongly and publicly affirm that Pepsi is better than Coke. And you know what? I’ve gained some new believers, people who have switched from being Coke fans to Pepsi fans, simply because of my opinion!

Opinions have power.

Everyone has an opportunity to influence others through their opinions. The influence you grant someone in your life will shape their impact on your beliefs. Their opinions might be great and life-changing, or they could be destructive. That’s why it’s important to shape our beliefs with the right things. It is important for our beliefs to be grounded in Truth, as experiences, opinions, and even the knowledge we gain might not always reflect the Truth.

What is the Truth? Where is the Truth found? What do you really believe?

In the story at the beginning of this chapter, Jesus told Martha that He is the Resurrection and the Life and then asked her, “Do you believe this?”

I hope to help you build a firm foundation of belief that provides direction and leads you toward Life, and I hope to help you identify what you truly believe and reevaluate which beliefs may need adjustment.