The Need to Believe
Believe: The Need to Believe
Key Bible Verses
Exodus 1:8-14; 2:18-23
Digging Deeper
Believe is an essential word in the Christian faith. To believe in God is to trust His existence, love, and sovereignty. It means we have faith in His promises and recognize He is the creator, redeemer, and sustainer of all things.
Aspects of believing in God:
Accept that God exists as the creator of the universe and that He created us in His image. (Psalm 19:1)
Trust that God loves us and that He desires the best for us. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Place our faith in Jesus Christ, believing that God sent Jesus, His Son, to save the world from sin. (John 3:16)
Demonstrate transformational faith that is lived out daily with a commitment to obeying God’s Word. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Overcome doubts by bringing these doubts to God and asking Him to make our belief and faith in Him stronger. (Mark 6:34)
Experience the joy of God’s presence with an open heart and mind, realizing His peace, presence, and power in our lives, which are sources of great joy and inspiration. (Jeremiah 29:13)
As believers in God, we recognize that our lives as Christians are a lifelong journey. We walk by faith according to God’s plan, involving heartfelt trust and unwavering commitment. This journey is a testament to our determination and commitment, inspiring us to stay dedicated to our faith.
What Not To Miss
Plan and framework for Northland: strategy/multiplication, structure/momentum, core values/processes, vision/alignment, and mission/clarity.
Year 0 (2022) — “Transitions” and “Made for Mission”
Year 1 (2023) — “New”
Year 2 (2024) — “Engage”
Year 3 (2025) — “BELIEVE”
Over the last years, we have worked to lay the foundation of creating clarity, alignment, and processes around our Mission, Vision, Core Values, and Structure.
As a result, we sense Northland is in a good place to be challenged and dare to BELIEVE God for greater days and greater things!
Believe
What it looks like.
What it means.
What it will take to BELIEVE God for greater days and greater things.
Main point:
NEED is the prerequisite of BELIEVE.
NEED precedes BELIEVE.
BELIEVE is faith, confidence, and/or trust in an OBJECT to meet the NEEDS you have and then to embed your life into theirs.
1. We ALL have NEEDS.
Egypt and Pharoah had a need for peace, stability, flourishing, and certainty.
Israel had a need for their holistic redemption and deliverance.
Moses had a need to recover purpose and meaning in his life.
These people represent the three most essential needs in the lives of individuals, people, communities, and nations:
Peace
Redemption
Purpose
2. What do we do when we realize we have NEEDS?
Some people BELIEVE WITHIN (Pharaoh/Egypt).
Some people cry out for something/someone greater to BELIEVE IN (Israel).
Some people just BE, giving up on believing (Moses).
Needs are a prerequisite to BELIEVE. Needs precede BELIEVE.
Next week: What will it take to BELIEVE?
Life Application
This week, we want to put what we believe into action. Choose one way to exercise and practice what you believe about God. Here are some ideas:
Set aside 10 minutes to pray and express gratitude toward God for who He is and what He has done for you.
Focus on a time to read and meditate on Scriptures that emphasize faith, trust, and God’s promises.
Join a LIFE2Group to connect with others who believe in God and share a desire to grow in faith. This community support is vital in our journey of faith, providing us with a sense of belonging and encouragement.
Step out in faith, serving someone else, believing God will show up and demonstrate His glory.
Small Group Discussion Questions
What is something that you strongly believe in?
How does what a person believes influence their decisions and interactions with others?
What does the Bible teach us about believing in God and His role in our lives?
How did Pharoah and Egypt, Israel, and Moses express their need to believe?
What experiences about what we believe strengthen our faith and belief in God?
Daily Devotional Bible Passages
Day 1: Believe-John 6:29; Romans 10:9; Hebrews 11:6
Day 2: Faith-Hebrews 11:1; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Ephesians 2:8-9
Day 3: Trust-Proverbs 3:5-6; Mark 11:24; Psalm 27:5
Day 4: Confidence-Philippians 1:6; Philippians 4:13; Hebrews 10:35-36
Day 5: Hope-Romans 8:24; John 11:25-26; Psalm 42:11
Prayer
Lord, I love You and want to believe in You more deeply. I know that I need to recognize my needs so that I can believe and be effective for You. Help to strengthen my faith when doubts arise, and remind me that You are always faithful, even when I cannot see beyond the current moment. Remind and teach me to believe in Your promises and rest in Your unchanging love, knowing that You will meet my needs. I often rely on my strength and understanding instead of believing and trusting in You. Forgive me for the times I have doubted You or sought to handle life on My own. Draw me closer to You, Lord, and teach me to depend on You for guidance, wisdom, and peace. Lord, I believe, but help my unbelief and increase my faith so I may live fully alive for You, shining Your light and love to those around me. Thank You for being my refuge, strength, and ever-present help in trouble. Let me walk confidently, believing You are always with me, meeting my needs. Give me the courage to surrender any fears, plans, and burdens to You, remaining strong as I believe in Your love for me.
