You have heard people say, “seeing is believing.” It is certainly easier to believe after seeing something for yourself. But is that the way God works? Certainly He provides visible signs at times that touch our spirit. But we are also called to believe without seeing: “Blessed are those who believe without seeing” (John 20:29).

Believing first before seeing the evidence of what we are believing for is called faith. Faith is like a spark and Jesus is the dynamite powder.

Think of the story of the centurion, from Matthew 8:5-13. A commander of 100 men in the Roman army came to Jesus asking for help in healing a paralyzed servant. While Jesus offered to go and heal him, the centurion said “Lord I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.” Indeed, at that moment, the servant was healed, just as the centurion believed he would be.

In the same way, God wants us to believe in His goodness and love toward us. He wants us to know how willing He is to act on our behalf to bless us, and work for the good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

He wants us to declare by faith that everything will be well with us, no matter how long we have had a problem. He will indeed care for us and restore us. And remember, it is not possible to believe in God without first believing God.

So start believing and receiving.