BELIEVING IS SEEING

In our world, we often hear the phrase, “seeing is believing.” It’s a principle based on human logic—we trust only what we can perceive with our senses. But have you ever stopped to consider that, in God’s kingdom, it’s the other way around?

In God’s kingdom, believing comes first, and seeing follows. Hebrews 11:1-3 tells us:

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith, we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.”

In other words, faith is the evidence—the assurance—that what we ask God for will be fulfilled, even before we see it come to pass. God created the universe not from anything visible, but by His Word alone. That same God invites us to trust Him, even when we don’t see the outcome yet.

Choosing to Believe Without Seeing

How often do we find ourselves in a place where we say, “God, I need to see it first before I can believe it”? Yet, Scripture calls us to the opposite—to trust in God’s promises, even when circumstances appear bleak.

God has promised not only eternal life but an abundant life here on earth (John 10:10). Even when we are not yet living in the fullness of that promise, we must hold on in faith, knowing that God will lead us to His perfect purpose.

One of the greatest failings of humanity—even among God’s people—is the inability to believe His promises. The Israelites, despite witnessing countless miracles, still doubted God’s ability to provide. In Numbers 14:11, the Lord asks Moses: “How long will these people reject me? And how long will they not believe me, with all the signs which I have performed among them?”

And in Psalm 78:19, the people spoke against God, questioning: “Can God prepare a table in the wilderness?”

Their doubt wasn’t a mere question—it was an accusation against God’s power. They had already decided that their situation was too hopeless for God to change.

Limiting God with Unbelief

Psalm 78:41 states:

“Again and again they tempted God and limited the Holy One of Israel.”

Think about that—the people of God limited Him! They believed God could do some things but not others. They trusted Him for the past but doubted His power for the future. This was one of their greatest sins—not idolatry, not complaining—but unbelief.

And this is not just an Old Testament problem. Even after Jesus plainly told His disciples He would be crucified and rise on the third day, they struggled to believe.

Luke 24:6-11 recounts how women found the empty tomb and were reminded of Jesus’ words. They ran to tell the disciples, but in verse 11, it says: “And their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them.”

Imagine that! They had walked with Jesus, seen His miracles, heard His teachings, and yet, when the moment of His greatest victory arrived, they doubted.

John 20:24-29 tells the story of Thomas, who had spent three years witnessing the miracles of Christ. Yet, after the resurrection, he declared: “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”

Eight days later, Jesus appeared to Thomas, inviting him to touch His wounds. Thomas finally believed, but Jesus responded: “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

What a challenge for us today! Are we, like Thomas, waiting to see before we believe? Or will we take Jesus at His word and trust Him even when the outcome is unclear?

What Have You Lost Faith In?

Maybe today you’re struggling with unbelief. What have you lost that you find difficult to believe can be restored?

• Hope for the future? Have past disappointments left you feeling like nothing good can come?

• A sense of purpose? Do you wonder if God can still use you?

• Faith in God’s promises? Have you formed an idea of how God should work, and when He didn’t follow your plan, you lost trust?

Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us:

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

Thomas had an idea of what Jesus’ ministry should look like. When things didn’t unfold as he expected, he lost faith. The same happens to us—we map out our future, and when it doesn’t align with our plan, we doubt God. But His ways are higher. His purpose is greater than what we can imagine.

Will You Worship and Still Doubt?

In Matthew 28:17, after Jesus’ resurrection, it says:

“When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.”

What a striking contrast! Even in the presence of the risen Christ, some still struggled with doubt. And isn’t that the case today? People come to church, hear God’s promises, yet still wrestle with unbelief.

• They worship, but they doubt their future.

• They worship, but they doubt God’s faithfulness.

• They worship, but they doubt He can restore what was lost.

Yet, the truth remains: God is faithful. He has never broken a promise, and He never will.

Stepping into Faith: Believing Before Seeing

Jesus told His disciples to go to the upper room and wait for the Holy Spirit. They obeyed before they saw the promise fulfilled. That faith led to the birth of the church and a movement that changed the world.

What about you? Are you willing to believe before you see?

• Believe that God has a plan even if you don’t see it.

• Believe that He can restore what was lost.

• Believe that He will lead you to your purpose.

Hebrews 11:6 says:

“But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

As we celebrate Easter, let’s remember: In God’s kingdom, believing is seeing. The world says, “I’ll believe it when I see it,” but Jesus says, “Believe first, and you will see.”

What step of faith is God calling you to take today? Will you trust Him even when you don’t see the full picture?

Let’s choose to believe, and as we do, we will see His promises come to life.

Happy Easter!