As I sit down to write this blog, I feel exhausted. I’m willing to bet that most of you are, too. Although you’ve been on Christmas break, I feel quite certain you’ve been busy with family, doing all the things we do to celebrate the holiday season. I pray your holiday has truly been merry and bright, filled with laughter and joy. Mine has, and I am so grateful. Yes, I’m tired, but it’s a good kind of tired.
It's hard to believe that the holiday break is almost over and that 2025 is just a few days away. The saying "time flies" certainly feels true these days, reminding us to cherish every moment. I always have mixed emotions when it comes to a new year. I wonder if you feel the same way. Reflecting on whether we were productive enough and the pressure of setting New Year’s resolutions or choosing a “word” for the year can add emotional exhaustion to our already tired selves. At the same time, however, we all know the value of reflection and goal setting. What’s a person to do, especially a busy educator?
As my gift to you this holiday season, I would like to offer a suggestion that the Lord laid on my heart during my quiet time. I can’t even remember what I was reading at the moment, but I remember asking the Lord, “Why don’t we (Christians) experience more victory in our lives? Why are so many feeling defeated? Where is our peace?” Without hesitation, I sensed the answer: “Because you don’t really believe.”
This caught me a little off guard. I truly believe in God and have accepted Jesus as my Savior, but I felt that He was prompting me to dig deeper. Deep in my heart, God was asking me to evaluate how much I truly believe in Him, His Word, and His promises. I began to reflect on the indisputable link between belief and faith. Does everything ultimately come back to what we believe? Could our lack of victory be a matter of faith?
What does it mean to believe? The definition for believe in the Cambridge Dictionary is “to think that something is true, correct, or real.” However, the Biblical definition of believe means more than simply agreeing in our minds that something might be true. When Jesus said, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent” (John 6:29), He was using the Greek verb "pisteuó," which means to have faith. It conveys a sense of trust and reliance upon someone or something. In the New Testament, the term is often used to describe the act of believing in Jesus Christ for salvation, trusting in God's promises, and having faith in the truth of the Gospel. This belief is not merely intellectual agreement but involves a deep, personal trust and commitment (https://biblehub.com/greek/4100.htm).
In other words, belief is grounded in faith – a willingness to trust and commit to a transformed life through Jesus Christ.
To say it another way, we believe so strongly in God that we are willing to commit our lives to Him and live the way we know He wants us to live.
Our beliefs are powerful drivers of our thoughts, actions, and the language we use. They shape not only how we perceive the world around us but also how we respond to life's challenges. When we encounter obstacles such as mental strongholds, feelings of unrest, disobedience, frustration, or difficulties with forgiveness, we must ask ourselves, "What do I truly believe? In whom or what am I placing my faith?" Answering these questions openly and honestly is the first step toward a victorious, transformed life.
Let’s imagine for a moment what our lives might look like if we had a belief so strong and a faith so committed that it resulted in a transformed and victorious life. How would our lives reflect the truth of His Word?
As it relates to doubt…
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:5-6
As it relates to temptation…
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
At it relates to anger…
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. James 1:19
As it relates to forgiving others…
And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. Mark 11:25
As it relates to forgiving ourselves:
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9
As it relates to obedience…
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.
1 John 5:3
As it relates to patience…
Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
As it relates to fear…
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27
As it relates to lacking joy…
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11
God's Word offers the evidence and guidance needed to live victorious lives. The Bible has proven to be true for thousands of years. We have all the evidence we need, but God leaves the believing up to us. As educators, our work is demanding. While we won’t do things perfectly, let’s make 2025 a year of increased faith, a year in which we choose to believe God and His Word over everything and everyone else. If this is your heart's desire, 2025 will be a victorious and transformative year indeed!
And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and
love one another, just as he has commanded us. Whoever keeps his commandments abides in
God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.
1 John 3:23-24 (emphasis mine)
HAPPY NEW YEAR!