Believest thou this?  (John 11:26)  — Where is your faith? (Mark 4:40).  — These things are written that you may believe. (John 20:31). —  Lord, I believe; help my unbelief. (Mark 9:24).

“I am the resurrection and the life. He that believeth on Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.  And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die.  Believest thou this?” (John 11:25-26)

I’m asking you to believe that.  And rejoice because you are going to live forever.

“For we know that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed in us.”  (Romans 8:18)

I’m asking you to believe that. And to look up with hope because the best is yet to be.

“For our momentary light affliction is working for us an exceeding weight of glory, far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are unseen.  For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”  (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

I’m asking you to believe that and remain faithful because you ain’t seen nothing yet.

“In my Father’s house are many mansions.  If it were not so, I would have told you” (John 14:2).

I’m asking you to believe that and smile because we have Jesus’ word on Heaven.

“I know that my Redeemer liveth and that He shall stand at last upon the earth.  And that after my flesh is destroyed, yet in my flesh, I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself and my eyes shall behold, and not another” (Job 19:19).

I’m asking you to believe that and shout! The Old Testament is eloquent about God’s faithfulness and what He has in store for His children.

“No one has been to Heaven but He who came down from Heaven, even the Son of Man who is in Heaven.”  (John 3:13)

I’m asking you to believe that and trust Jesus because He is the authority on Heaven, being a native.

“Let us not grow weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not faint (lose heart).”  (Galatians 6:9).

I’m asking you to believe that and remain in your place, serving God, knowing that “weighing in time” is just ahead. 

“But we urge you, brethren…that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business…that you may walk properly toward those who are outside…” (I Thessalonians 4:10-12).

I’m asking you to believe that and not let your politics or prejudices interfere with your witness to the world.

“Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account.  Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.” (Hebrews 13:17).

I’m asking you to believe that so that your church may be unified, the fellowship harmonious, and the ministers strengthened for the work to which God called them.

Amen.

Do you believe, friend?  Or, do you selectively believe, choosing what of God’s Word you will obey and what you will push to the side?  Jesus said, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and do not do what I command you?” (Luke 6:46)

To believe is to obey.  Never doubt that.  “I will show you my faith by my works,” said James (2:18).