From Babe to Believer

When we become a Christian, we are considered “babes in Christ”. Just like a new babe we are given the essentials for growth. The infant has his mother’s milk, then formula and as he/she grows they “bites” like baby food, a french fry, hotdog, etc. How does the kid know to change over to the “meat”? I have been told that the doctor will say it’s time to take him off the bottle. Wouldn’t it be nice if it was that easy? There are kids that like the bottle and the attention. There are parents who are slow in making the move because there is a comfort level—no tears or screams to confront!

At first the meat is “ground” up making it easier to digest but sooner or later you get that first chunk! The whole process doesn’t happen overnight and you discover it’s a life time process. The disciples had Jesus in their midst but yet they didn’t get it. They saw miracles, heard the preaching, the parables and Jesus still had to explain it. They didn’t truly get it until they entered the Upper Room.

I said all that to say I had a big piece of meat nearly choke me to death several weeks ago. I don’t think I have swallowed it yet; my brain cells have been working overtime. In my reading, a Bible teacher was telling a story about how she was unsatisfied with the same teaching that was coming her way. The Holy Spirit spoke and said I want you to believe. Of course, the teacher began to say I believe in you, I believe in the Virgin Birth, I believe in the crucifixion, the resurrection, the Holy Spirit, etc. I know that John 3:16 is true because it happened to me! THEN, the Holy Spirit responds and says, “I didn’t ask you if you believe in me. I asked you to believe Me. Do you believe what I tell you, instruct you to day? Do you believe me when I say I am able to do all things? Do you believe? Do you have faith for the impossible?”

I began to think on that and I couldn’t say I take Him at His Word---always! I pray for others and believe in His healing power but for myself, I take aspirins. Do I believe Him when He says You can do it? Do I truly believe He has a plan for me? My first thoughts went to Mark 9:14-24 where the father tells Jesus about his son. Jesus says, “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried, and with tears, Lord I believe; help thou mine unbelief.”

Over the years I have seen Jesus clean me up. I am truly a new creature and everyday I feed on His Word. I am not on the “mile’ anymore and as I age the chunks of meat are getting bigger. I believe it is necessary for my own welfare. When I stand before Him I stand alone! No excuses, no people on the sidelines giving me words to say. If you stay on milk all your life, you stunt your growth. You grow and mature on the Meat of His Word! You truly understand what “faith and grace” is all about; you know His Promises are true and you pray daily to be His friend.

So how about you? Do you just believe in Jesus (John 3:16)? Do you believe what He says and then do you walk that way daily? We still have a carnal body and we are not perfect BUT we strive to be what He wants us to be.

Pray, “Lord make me a person of belief; help me to believe you here and now and not just believe you in things concerning Heaven. You are the God of Heaven and Earth (John 3:12).” Now begin to take small steps to believe. Believe and speak it out. Do something you have never done before—maybe tithe and test Malachi 3. The book is full or promises so grab one and make it yours! Use my scripture Psalm23:1, The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. Get out of that comfort zone and move forward. You do the choosing—do you just believe in or Believe every word He proclaims?

Sharon White