Recently while driving through downtown Baltimore, I noticed a theme that was painted on objects along the street. The theme was not graffitti or some expression that can not be repeated.  The theme was simple, clear, and to the point, it  said, "Believe".   Over and over again it was painted with no explanation or definition. I am stillnot sure what it meant to the city, maybe it meant to believe in the revitilazation of the downtown, or to believe that the Ravens will win the Superbowl or to believe that the Orioles will be better next year.  Whatever it was supposed to mean was lost on this non resident, but was not lost was the message that came with it to every follower of God.  Believe!

In our walk with God, one that is growing more and more, we want to understand what the Lord is looking for from us, what are His expectations for His people. Often, the call  Christians is that God would come in and save the day and do all that only God can do, and make everything right. All of us have felt that same feeling of dependance on God to intervene on our behalf.  Perhaps some of us are there even now and crying out to God to take over. But there is more to our relationship with God than merely being spectators of His divine power. Reading out of Isaiah 43 today, encourages us to know that there is no other God like our God. "Fear not, for I have redeemed you: I have summoned you by name: you are mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. And when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned: the flames will not set you ablaze.  For I am the Lord, your God."

Reading those words are incredibly encouraging and powerful, but a deeper look tells us that God is expecting us to "Believe" that even when things are not going easy,  He is is still there.  Through waters of life and rivers of stress, and flames of crises, God says believe that I am there.  We can develope in a Christian life a feeling at times that because things are not going smoothly that God is upset with us and our prayers are not having any affect.  Yet what God is often times trying to get us to understand is that we can believe that He will be with us always. In every situation and challenge.  God's call for us to Believe , is not merely a call to know His power to change things, but also to know His presence and faithfulness as He walks with us.  God expects us to believe His Word that says, He will never leave us or forsake us.  It has been my experience that the times I have learned to understand God and His ways more are often the times of greatest trials.  Maybe because it is much easier to realize that there is no one else to turn to, and no one else who knows what the feelings and fears that we are facing.  God is there with us and we are called my Him to Believe in Him and His faithfulness no matter what may be happening around us.  "Isaiah 43:10, "You are my witnesses, declares the Lord and my servant whom I have chosen so that you may know and Believe...."   That is my prayer for each of you who are reading this entry, that you may know and Believe.  God is changeless and faithful, He is with you today and forever, and will not leave when the going gets hard.  This week let's ask God to teach us that belief is not a feeling it is a choice to take God at His Word!  Next Entry "What do you Believe about Him!