[478 words]
A brand new calendar year is upon us! As such it is a great time to evaluate where we stand in a number of different areas.
Experts tell us that nine out of every ten “New Year’s Resolutions” will fail…and most of these failures occur by February. This means that for the average person, year after year, they abandon their plans of self improvement after a few short weeks.
So, instead of creating some resolutions we will not likely keep, why don’t we take a different approach? Why not ask ourselves some important questions that, if acted upon, can make some positive differences in our lives?
For example, take note of Matthew chapter 9. Here we find Jesus performing powerful miracles and calling the disciples to follow Him. In verses 27-28, some blind men were pleading with Jesus to be merciful to them and to restore their sight. His question to them was this: “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said, “Yes, Lord.”
Through the pages of Scripture, Jesus continues to ask us this question today.
Do you believe that you can be forgiven? (9:1-8). Actually feeling forgiven can be difficult for some. Try as we may, some of us just do not feel forgiven. However, Christ said that He wanted this paralyzed man to know that He had authority to forgiven sin (9:6). Jesus healed the physical infirmity of the man so that all might know that He had the power and authority to heal spiritual infirmity. This man could know when and how he was healed. Today, we too can know when and how we are spiritually healed (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Col. 1:13-14; 2:12; 1 John 1:7, 9; et. al.).
Do you believe that there is work to do? (9:9, 35-38). Jesus called Matthew to follow because there was much work to be done. There were many souls to be saved. He told His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (9:37). The problem is not with the harvest – the world is lost and dying. There are potential converts everywhere we go. The problem is that there is a lack or workers. There are too few willing to share the good news.
Do you believe that Jesus rules over death? (9:18-26). A little girl had died. Jesus said not to worry. The people laughed at Him. He took the girl by the hand and she arose. Jesus is the giver of life (John 10:10; 20:30-31; Eph. 2:4-5). Jesus is the conqueror of death (Rom. 10:9; 1 Thess. 4:14). What have we to fear (Heb. 2:15)?
This year will you show Jesus that you believe by living with bold and courageous faith?
Do you believe?
Bart Warren
Glasgow, KY