Too Good To Not Believe

Have you ever felt like you're just going through the motions, living a life that's smaller than what God intended for you? It's time to dive deeper into God's Word and discover the transformative power it holds for your life.

The most important thing in life is the Word of God. It's not just a book of ancient stories or rules - it's the very essence of Jesus himself. The Bible tells us that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." When we spend time reading, meditating on, and applying God's Word to our lives, we're actually developing a closer relationship with Jesus.

But here's the catch - it's not enough to simply hear the Word; we must act on it. This truth is beautifully illustrated in the story of Jesus and the fishermen by the Sea of Galilee. After teaching from Simon Peter's boat, Jesus instructed him to "launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." Despite having fished all night with no success, Peter responded, "Nevertheless, at your word, I will let down the net."

This moment of obedience, even in the face of doubt, led to a miraculous catch of fish - so many that the nets began to break and the boats began to sink! This story teaches us a profound lesson: when we obey God's instructions, even when they don't make sense to us, we position ourselves for His blessings.

But God's blessings aren't just for our own benefit. The abundance of fish caught that day wasn't just for Peter - it was enough to fill two boats and bless his partners as well. This reminds us that God wants to bless us so that we can be a blessing to others. We're called to live a life that's greater than just ourselves.

Think about it - are you living for something bigger than your own comfort and success? Are you using your talents, resources, and blessings to impact the lives of others? This is the heart of what it means to be "fishers of men" - to use everything God has given us to draw others to Him.

Living this kind of faith-filled, others-focused life requires a shift in our thinking. It means moving from a mentality of scarcity to one of abundance. It's understanding that God is our ultimate source, and He has more than enough to meet our needs and the needs of those around us.

This shift happens as we spend more time in God's presence. Just as a young Lester Sumrall learned from spending time with the faith giant Smith Wigglesworth, our faith grows as we immerse ourselves in God's Word and prayer. Wigglesworth was so protective of his faith that he wouldn't even allow newspapers in his house, focusing instead on a steady diet of scripture and prayer.

As we grow in faith, our desires begin to align with God's. Things that once consumed us - like careers, hobbies, or material pursuits - start to pale in comparison to our desire for God and His purposes. We become more willing to surrender everything to Him, understanding that everything we have is ultimately His anyway.

This surrender opens the door for God to use us in powerful ways. Just as He used Peter's boat as a platform for teaching and then filled it with fish, God wants to use the "boats" in our lives - our jobs, our homes, our relationships - as vessels for His glory and purposes.

But here's the beautiful thing - when we make ourselves available to God in this way, we don't lose out. In fact, we gain more than we could ever imagine. Jesus promises that those who leave everything to follow Him will receive "a hundred times as much in this present age...and in the age to come eternal life" (Mark 10:30).

Living this kind of faith-filled life doesn't mean we'll never face challenges or doubts. Even Peter, after witnessing the miraculous catch of fish, fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" But Jesus didn't leave. Instead, He invited Peter into a greater purpose: "Don't be afraid; from now on you will fish for people."

This is the invitation extended to each of us - to move past our doubts and inadequacies and step into the greater life God has for us. It's a life where we're not driven by fear of lack or loss, but by the confident assurance that God is our source and He is more than enough.

As we live this way, we become beacons of light in a dark world. Our joy, peace, and faith become contagious, drawing others to the God we serve. We become living testimonies of God's goodness, able to say with confidence, "He's too good not to believe!"

So, how do we practically live out this kind of faith-filled life?

1. Prioritize time in God's Word and prayer. Make it your "one thing," the non-negotiable foundation of your day.

2. Obey God's instructions, even when they don't make sense. Remember, the blessing often comes after the obedience.

3. Live with open hands, ready to give as freely as you've received. Look for opportunities to bless others with what God has given you.

4. See every area of your life - your job, your home, your relationships - as a mission field where God wants to work through you.

5. Cultivate a mindset of abundance, trusting that God is your source and He has more than enough.

6. Be willing to "launch out into the deep," stepping out of your comfort zone when God calls you to something greater.

7. Surround yourself with faith-building influences, being mindful of what you allow to shape your thoughts and beliefs.

As you implement these practices, watch how God begins to work in and through your life in new and exciting ways. You'll find yourself living not just for yourself, but for a purpose far greater - the purpose of revealing God's goodness to a world in need.

Remember, you are called to a life far greater than yourself. So cast your nets wide, trust in God's abundance, and get ready to be amazed at what He can do through a life fully surrendered to Him. He truly is too good not to believe!