Dec 24, 202415 min read

BELIEVE

Updated: 6 days ago

Overhearing but ignoring what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, Do not be seized with alarm and struck with fear; only keep on believing (Mark 5:36, AMPC; emphasis, author’s).

Keep on believing… sounds simple, yet we often fail to remain mindful or diligent in our belief. Shortly thereafter, we start to lose power, energy, and will. Our drive and zest for living is not at the level we’d like it to be. Thankfully, in this one verse alone, Jesus gives us significant clues as to how belief is to be maintained.

Jesus, our EXAMPLE, is hyper-focused in this passage, and indeed He lived hyper-focused in His faith all the way throughout His time on earth. He was (and continues to be) immensely sharp, like a sword that divides to the heart and soul (see Hebrews 4:12-13). He unabashedly IGNORED whatever and whoever was not of faith. Like one barely notices the soil and admires the mighty oak above it, He did not give ignorant actors the time of day. They shall soon be cut down like the grass (Psalm 37:1-7). He was not influenced, nor impressed, by anything or anyone other than God. He didn’t pay any attention to it—doubt was not deserving of His thought or energy. This is our cue.

When faced with evil itself—Satan, Jesus said:

It is written. It is written. It is written.

Jesus knew what the point of all of it was: GOD.

Nothing else. No one else.

Do not let the clamouring and contention of the fallen world

diminish this line.

The only one deserving of your thought and energy—

your full attention, is God.

In no place do we find in the Word of God where Jesus tells us to stop believing—that it is useless, hopeless, or yields no results. No; just like in Mark 5:36 above, Jesus, without question, exemplifies and embodies that the polar opposite is TRUE: We reap what we sow; the Word does not return to God void; God is not a man that He should lie; God is good; God is love (Galatians 6:7-9; Isaiah 55:11; Numbers 23:19; Mark 10:18; 1 John 4:7-21). For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it] (Mark 11:24). He doesn’t lie. Nor should you or I—if we say we are “believers” in Christ, then we need to truly, honestly, steadfastly, and concretely believe in Him without any limits or mixture (i.e., half faith/half doubt). We are to be faithful to Him, without limit. We show this best by believing in Him regardless of our circumstances.

How do I keep my faith strong in the world today?

Let’s read Mark 5:36 (AMPC) once again: Overhearing but ignoring what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be seized with alarm and struck with fear; only keep on believing.”

Here, Jesus asks of us only one thing: Believe. Not once—always. To achieve this, we need to receive Jesus’ intense focusing ability. However, the avenue to it might be surprising: stay a simple child.

Most, if not all, of what the world throws up, we do not need to know.

It is pretty sick, compounding-ly complicated, and ends in nothing.

In stark contrast, Christians are health and wholeness,

and embodied supernatural strength,

arrived at through simple, childlike faith

and reliance upon God to perform His Own acts.

Like a bright star twinkling in a night sky, everything else takes a diminished hue. Its singularity and distance catches our eye and draws our dreams to the surface. This is what happens to us (mind, body, soul, and spirit) when we intently focus on and elevate Christ. The noise, the rumors, the news all fade away. It all becomes rather unimportant, quite dark. Our joy is not based in this world. However, the very instant we choose to believe like a child, what emerges as all-important in our view is God’s single, illuminating ray of everlasting kindness in His sending us Christ. His intense and delicate way of reuniting with us and re-sparking our faith through Christ so influences us, and so captivates our hearts and minds, that we continue to believe in Jesus because it is our highest honor—God’s love, through Christ, is our only Light. You are His elect, His chosen.

Here, once is enough.

The work of Christ never fades. It never goes away. It never changes.

He never loses His shine, beauty, or love.

He never loses His power to save, to perform, to resurrect,

to correct, to restore or redeem.

When we do our, simple, childlike part: BELIEVE in the One Whom God sent, then we find ourselves trusting God to do all of the rest of it (John 6:29). It’s easy. It’s light (Matthew 11:28-30). Belief takes the burden off. This is how Jesus lived and conducted Himself on the earth with strength—He relied on God to do the miraculous every moment (John 5:30, AMPC; Luke 22:42). And we have been given the mind of Christ—with one and the same purpose (1 Corinthians 2:16, AMPC). We have been given the breath of God to witness the acts of God on the earth.

Belief itself is a gift from God, an “inner working” that He implants in us and grows Himself. Christmas is our annual reminder of how simple, yet how powerful our “homework” is: BELIEVE in JESUS, God’s One and Only Son, coming to the earth to save whosoever would believe upon Him (John 3:16).

Look at that New Everlasting Star

with Light shining on above and ahead of you (lampros proinos aster),

not the old impostor, nor the inferior darkness (heilel ben shachar)

which can never satisfy.

In the midst of the darkest time of the year, we are to perceive the contrasting ray of light Christ brings to our world. This light travels, continues, and never stops guiding us to Heaven.

Along with believing in our hearts

and keeping our faith strong,

we are to speak our faith aloud.

In our opening verse of Mark 5:36 “Jesus said…” He spoke aloud only Godly, faith-filled things, bringing them into existence. He did not take no for an answer, for He never imagined this as an option—not because He based the outcome on people’s reactions, but because He based the outcome on God’s actions. Jesus understood the power of God and rightly placed His faith on that, and that only. God’s will is utterly unstoppable. Like true light, it travels, or moves through, God’s Word. Jesus, just by stepping foot down on this world and speaking God’s will, changed our path, our course, our trajectory—forever. Like Him, you and I should speak the Word into one heart at a time. Like Him, we are gifted in ignoring the world’s feeble contentions as we do so.

If you are thin-skinned, kindhearted, overworked, and feel the need to cry out to God…do so. Wrap yourself in swaddling clothes, or the anointing and presence of God. Go out of town. Find a lowly manger. Look at that Star. Let Him shield you. Let Him love you. Let Him see you. Step foot back into the Word of God and give Him your entire future. In the silence and stillness, the apartness, He whispers kind things to your heart alone. He strengthens you and causes you to experience Him—out there on your own, you realize you never are for He is always with you. In Him, you have everything you could ever need.

You are safe under the Light of that One Star.

A primary theme this Christmas may be:

Keep on believing.

What does that mean to you?

But none of my friends

[or family, doctors, co-workers, pastor]

think this is going to happen.

How do I keep on believing God when it has been so long?

The more I think about it, the more impossible it seems.

Should I just give up?

The original term for “believe” or “faith” in the Word of God is: pisteuó (pistis), a continual verb with no expiration date. EVER. It is active. It is operative. The Word itself has a multiplicative POWER that provides the one believing it a rich harvest because God does the inner work of joy and gladness, patience and goodness, love, kindness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23, AMPC). We live and thrive on these things far more than natural bread. Most people, sadly, starve their faith to death by their own election or by neglecting/putting off their relationship with God in exchange for supposedly more “immediate, pressing, important” things (Mark 4:19). That is how woe enters.

In our opening passage (Mark 5:36 above), it is noteworthy that Jesus does NOT say, “Believe one time,” or “Believe only for a period of time…” Rather, He makes a point to say, “Keep on believing.” Jesus knew the effect naysayers could have on the one doing their best to believe in the power of God against all odds. Like the MORNING STAR keeps on shining, we keep on believing no matter what comes. We get to choose this as our response. We cannot let other people, even those who profess to be Christians, dimmish our faith in Christ, or taint or tear apart our belief system as Christ has painstakingly built it Himself. We elevate the command of Christ here over what anyone else in our lives may think, say/threaten, do or not do, or tell others. While we may not be able to control all of those things, God certainly can. And we simply feel better when we ignore all of that naysaying (doubt/unbelief/criticism or mockery of our faith) and simply do what Jesus asks of us: Keep on believing… It is your choice. The joy of the faith of Jesus Christ is that it has no end—so, do not let the enemy of God steal life or vibrancy from you or from others around you. Resurrection Life, ETERNAL Life, is forever and Christ’s accomplishment means you and I have received the constant, unwavering gift of faith.

WE ALWAYS HAVE THE LIGHT OF CHRIST.

This is the message, the GIFT, of Christmas.

Take it!

You and I get to BELIEVE in God, in the work of Christ Jesus, with no limits or hindrances. This is a true gift from God to us. You and I get to receive, again and again, the presence, power, goodness and light of the Holy Spirit moving within and around us—all of our days. Through the permissions, the Word, the Acts, the very GIFTS of God Himself, we can have happiness, peace and joy all of our remaining days—starting TODAY.

OPEN YOUR GIFT by opening your heart to Christ.

Simply believe in Him.

This is your Blood bought right.

You get to choose,

and no one can take your joy in believing away from you.

I want to believe but find myself doubting

God will come through.

I don’t seem to have the same hope I once did—something’s wrong.

Again, do not let the enemy steal your joy (John 10:10, 16:22; Revelation 3:11). Since we believe in what Christ has done for us, we never have to stop believing in God. We never have to cease from having great joy.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13, NASB; emphasis, author’s).

Many Christians go through an odd season wherein they erroneously base the reality-check of their belief on earthly circumstances. “After all,” they reason, “if my belief [or Christianity, prayer, hope, hearing from God, etc.] really worked, wouldn’t my life have turned out better by now?” Here the enemy is whispering, “Check mate,” because that person is doubting the promises of God and starting to resent God and/or His methods. That believer may seem trapped, but not so fast. Christians need to look to the cross of Christ, but then continue to look beyond it, unto Christ’s Resurrection. The faith we have been given goes far beyond our own death for its ultimate answer! Patience is a part of answered prayer and, like belief, patience never has an expiration point on earth. Like love, patience is one of the fruit of the Holy Spirit of God (it is continual, ongoing, ever-increasing). God has great patience with us and His timing is perfect.

While patience is a necessary component to belief, this is not to say that God will not reward or bless believers in their natural lives. He often does! However, it is to say that maturing Christians (Christians coming into a new level with God) will be asked to stand the test, and to endure long-suffering at times. We can learn to endure it well for, rather than damaging our faith beyond repair—as it initially seems, this Holy Ghost-engineered event ultimately strengthens and establishes our faith (James Ch. 1; Matthew Ch. 4)! God is a Master at rebuilding our faith. The enemy never wins the game, no matter how uncertain our victory appears, for it is written (John 18:9)! Truly, the seed that dies yields the 100-fold return and we have the Word of God to believe in, without question. God’s promises are in the Word and they are true (they come to pass, reliably).

We are not to wait on the world.

We are to wait on God and His Word.

Many of us believe God for something, very strongly for a time, but we err when we wait for the world to answer! It never will because we are looking in the exact opposite direction than we should. Christians are to look to GOD for our answers, and often He speaks and moves and does works within us; we do not, however, look to the world. God alone provides life, rewards, blessings, holiness, goodness, richness of life—He alone provides us with LIGHT that makes life a joy and worth the living!

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises (Romans 15:13, AMP; emphasis, author's).

Wait on the Lord, and you will renew your strength (Isaiah 40:31).

Rather than material things,

the qualities of God are what we really need this Christmas.

Only God brings true contentment, peace, and joy to our lives

and to our loved ones.

I do believe in God, but I must confess I just feel stuck.

I struggle with praying and finding time for God.

I haven’t heard from God in a really long time.

I really need Him to bless me.

Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life (Proverbs 4:23, AMPC).

Sometimes you have to say, “no” to good things so that you can devote yourself to the best things (1 Corinthians 6:12). Sometimes, you have to say, “no” to your own flesh or others’ expectations of you. We all go through seasons where it feels like we are disappointing others, or putting everything on hold, so we can make a diligent effort to reconnect with God, to regroup spiritually, before we can continue on. Ask God to show you the season you are in and follow His leading and prompting for how to best navigate that season. Part of maintaining your belief in God is fiercely, strictly, and diligently guarding your own heart.

Consider these verses…

Do not give that which is holy (the sacred thing) to the dogs, and do not throw your pearls before hogs, lest they trample upon them with their feet and turn and tear you in pieces.

Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you.

For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, [the door] will be opened (Matthew 7:6-8, AMPC; emphasis, author’s).

Here Jesus is taking us gently by the shoulders and turning us away from seeking things from people (v. 6) and turning us toward seeking things from God (vs. 7-8). Personally, I love it when He does that. It usually means He IS about to bless us.

Holy (hagios, qadosh) means: “different from the world,”[1] which you are, so do not be surprised when the world does not “bless” you (John 15:18-25). Believe this: you do not need it to and, in the long run, do not want it to (e.g. “dogs” are spiritual predators, who run with sheep for a while, then turn on them).[2] No; you and I need real, genuine, lasting blessings which only come from God Himself (i.e., our “Pearl” of great price). He alone produces and brings to you the authentic, the unique, the special, the timely—items designed by God to suit you exactly. They are good for you. You can step out on them and they hold you. Like Him, such gifts of great value never turn nor tarnish. They are made only, and ever, just for you. They are by private contract and miraculously done. Ask of the giving God… (James 1:5).

Conversely, prosperity from the world is already rusting before it is thrust on you and you must change you to keep it. These compromises equate hoaxes that never outlast, houses on sands that always shift, tares amongst wheat in our otherwise God-given fields (Matthew 13:24-30). They demand impostor identities, take far too much time and energy from better things, and involve shortcuts—tiny foxes to spoil you (Song of Solomon 2:15).

Holy (in Matthew 7:6 above) also means: “likeness of nature with the Lord.”[3] There is no greater blessing than this. Unity (John Ch. 17). In this oneness with the Lord, we get something much better than the world can offer—we get a real, true joy which comes from the Light of Christ within us. His love is not for sale. It is free to those who will receive. There is no price tag we need to pay on this gift, no debt of sin that remains. A relationship with Christ has no stress in it. We are joint heirs forever. We are accepted at the King’s table, not as an outsider, not only for a temporary stay, but as one with Him. Our identity as one with Christ occurs regardless of a pin on a map or the size of a house. In fact, it needs no house. Like the first day, it is best seen out in the wide open spaces only God provides. This Light is delivered direct to you and placed in your hands. The door to God’s Holy Throne is open to you because of His generosity and invitation—walk through it.

Who we genuinely, authentically are, is only found in Christ. God Himself made you and knows right where you fit. He knows exactly what you need and what you want. If you feel like you are not yourself these days, reconnect with Jesus through the simplicity of believing.

This Christmas, send your renewed belief as your Christmas card to God.

Ask Him for a reunion.

It is time to come Home,

to settle down once again in the comfort of your faith.

Our belief is answered by the same One Who gave it to us in the first place. Your true and lasting blessings only come from God, so seek Him this Christmas. He will not turn any direction but toward you…

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, Who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the Word of Truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all He created (James 1:17-18, NIV).

Consider these additional passages on the power of simple belief (AMPC):

Jesus said, Go; it shall be done for you as you have believed (Matthew 8:13b).

Truly I tell you, whoever says to this mountain, Be lifted up and thrown into the sea! and does not doubt at all in his heart but believes that what he says will take place, it will be done for him (Mark 11:23).

It is God Who sits above the circle (the horizon) of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; it is He Who stretches out the heavens like [gauze] curtains and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in (Isaiah 40:22).

Christ tore the veil, not so we could be blinded, but so we could open our spiritual eyes and see the goodness and the glory of God. We are housed in it. We dwell in it. And it is not for a moment; it is forever. Like He exemplified in our opening passage of Mark 5:36, Jesus Christ has given us permission to ignore anything that is not of the Christian faith. He has also given us permission to speak of this faith regardless of how others respond.

Overhearing but ignoring what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, Do not be seized with alarm and struck with fear; only keep on believing (Mark 5:36, emphasis, author’s).

My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad indeed; my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right. Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off (Proverbs 23:15-18, NIVUK).

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises (Romans 15:13, AMP).

Peace, hope and joy to you this Christmas season. It is found in simple, childlike faith in our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Find your piece of night sky, look up at that single Everlasting Star, and keep on believing.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM DAWN DYSON MINISTRIES

RESOURCES:

Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible® (NASB), Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org

[1] Bible Hub. 40. Hagios. https://biblehub.com/greek/40.htm

[2] Ibid. 2965. Kuon. https://biblehub.com/greek/2965.htm

[3] Ibid. 40. Hagios.

DAWN DYSON