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April 8, 2000
What It Means To Believe
He who believes in Me has everlasting life. --John 6:47

A missionary in Africa experienced great difficulty in trying to translate the Gospel of John into the local dialect. He faced the problem of finding a word for believe. He continued to do his best, but he always had to leave a blank space when he came to that particular word.

Then one day a runner came panting into the camp, having traveled a great distance with a very important message. After blurting out his story, he fell completely exhausted into a nearby hammock. He muttered a brief phrase that seemed to express both his great weariness and his contentment at finding such a delightful place of relaxation. The missionary, never having heard these words before, asked a bystander what the runner had said. "Oh, he is saying, 'I'm at the end of myself, therefore I am resting all of my weight here!'" The missionary exclaimed, "Praise God! That is the very expression I need for the word believe!" And so he was able to complete his translation.

To believe correctly, you must first admit that you are a sinner and that you cannot do anything to save yourself. Then turn from your sin and cast yourself wholly and unreservedly on Christ for salvation.

Have you believed on Jesus?  — Henry G. Bosch

Yes, I know Him as my Savior,
For my sins are washed away;
And I'll never cease to praise Him
For this truth through endless day. —Hallan
Faith is simply taking God at His word.

Bible in One Year: Joshua 19–21; Proverbs 3:11-26
http://www.rbc.org/devotions.aspx?id=4584
© 2008 RBC MINISTRIES, Grand Rapids, MI 49555 USA.
Written permission must be obtained from RBC Ministries for any further posting or distribution.