Knowing and Yet Not Believing

And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.  So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are not the least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you shall come a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel.’”   Matthew 2:4-7

I am challenged by this portion of scripture because Herod went to the people who would have the knowledge about what the prophets had said about this coming King.  The chief priests and scribes knew that the King would be coming from Bethlehem and even told Herod so.  Let’s scoot forward 30 years or so.  As Jesus began His ministry and touching people’s lives with His tremendous love, these chief priests “forgot” where the Messiah would be coming from.  The God who created the universe was here in flesh and blood and they took their eyes off of what He had told the people to look for.

I am challenged because how many times in a day do I take my eyes off of what He has shown me in the Word, the promises He has spoken over me, or the truths He has revealed?  I don’t want to be like the chief priests who forgot what the King of kings would look like.  I don’t want to let my worries, anxieties, or fears erase what He has promised me.. that He will never leave me nor forsake (give up on) me (Deut 31:6).  I don’t want to let my lack of faith steal from me the amazing things that God has asked me to do and just trust Him.

As we embark on this journey to New Zealand, the exploratory trip is one filled with prayer and obedience.  We are not sure which location He is asking us to move to, but we want to make sure that we don’t deny what He has already shown us.  We are called to go.  We know that for sure!  We feel strongly that this is what He wants us to do.  Are we willing?  Yes!  Are we ready?  Getting there!  It is more of taking care of the loose ends here and knowing where the next step is and then we go.  Are we sure, for sure?  Yes, we do not doubt this is what He wants us to do.  Now we get to trust what He has upon our hearts and walk in obedience.  Yes, there are unknowns, but we know the Living God and trust Him.

Has He shown you something and you are walking in fear or disbelief?  He loves you with an everlasting love and nothing can change that… even your disbelief!  Whether you believe it or not does not change the fact that God loves you!