Act as Though You Believe

I was trying to write a Bible study about twenty years ago and used my first study in a neighborhood Bible class. Obviously, from their responses, the women didn't understand much of what I had written. Despite this discouraging fact, I still sensed a confidence that God would guide my efforts.

That night a friend asked, "How is your writing progressing?"

"Oh, I am really discouraged," I said, and then told her about that day's Bible study.

After our conversation, I discovered I truly was discouraged! If only I had expressed confidence to her that God would help, I could have encouraged myself in the Lord.

"The tongue has the power of life and death" (Proverbs 18:21). Our words have impact not only on others but also on ourselves. They can either give us confidence or draw us into despondency.

Reportedly, Blaise Pascal told those struggling with their faith to act as though they believed. Pascal believed that even something as meager as acting as though they believed would qualify as the mustard seed of faith that Jesus promised would remove mountains.

Satan hates it when we express faith but loves to hear us express doubt.

Dear Jesus, I trust You to help me to live and speak as though I am confident of Your faithfulness.  

"A wise man's heart guides his mouth" (Proverbs 16:23).  
"The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit" (Proverbs 15:4).

Aletha