'If You Can Believe'

A Believing Heart – by Susan Ferguson

Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes”. (Mark 9:23 NKJV) 
Jesus had a special love and appreciation for children. He taught the disciples that to enter the kingdom of heaven they must become like little children. (Matthew 18:1-3)

Young children are open and honest and have the faith to believe. They are humble, teachable, and eager to learn about Jesus. Untarnished by the world, they love and forgive easily. If they have a fuss with another child, the next day they are playing happily together. Valuable lessons can be learned from children. 

As children grow into adulthood, the cares and worries of the world gradually chip away their believing hearts. Skepticism replaces trust when they learn that people aren’t always honest and trustworthy. Their once pure hearts become tainted by the troubles of a fallen world. 

As adults, we dare not become so “grown up” that we can’t take God at His word and trust Him. As Christ followers, we must guard our hearts against unbelief. When Jesus returns, will He find faith on earth? (Luke 18:8) Let us take a look at Mary, the mother of Jesus, and see how she responded when the angel Gabriel told her she would give birth to the Son of God. (Luke 1:26-33) Mary was frightened, and she questioned how it could be. (Luke 1:34) But she had a believing heart and a willingness to obey God.