Luke 1:45 “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

Truer words were never spoken! God has said many things to us through the Bible, and He continues to speak to us individually today. However, if we fail to believe what He has said to us, the blessings He intends are often thwarted. The expression, “God said it. I believe it. That settles it,” is famous, but I have long felt that simply saying, “God said it. That settles it,” would be more accurate. God’s Word is true, whether we believe it or not, but we receive the benefit by faith. That’s what Elizabeth is saying here. The Japanese is a bit stronger than most English translations, specifying that fulfillment will absolutely take place. Our faith is often wobbly. Even John the Baptist, after he was imprisoned, wondered if Jesus really was the Messiah, as he himself had boldly proclaimed. That’s why we need to start with the foundational assurance that God created us and He loves us. Everything else builds on that. When we have that foundational conviction, it’s not so hard to believe all the other stuff He has said to us. I frequently point out to people that Jesus died to take away the sins of all mankind, but that salvation accrues to us only when we believe that we need it, and that He loves us individually. It is a hard step for people to admit that they are sinners and deserve hell, but that humble confession is absolutely necessary. However, when we make that confession and believe that Jesus died in our place so that we could have eternal life, the miracle of salvation takes place. In many ways, faith is everything, but as James pointed out strongly, genuine faith is demonstrated in how we live. Mary lived out her faith, and we should too.

Of course, this applies to me as much as it does to anyone. I grew up knowing the facts of the Gospel as well as anyone, but it was only later that those facts worked their way into my heart to become faith, even conviction. If I believe Jesus is my Savior, my Lord, then I am going to live in obedience to and fellowship with Him. That’s what discipleship is all about. As a pastor, I desire to raise up more disciples for Jesus, but that will be done more by example than by words. As a Teacher, that can be hard to remember at times! I need to walk with them, not lecturing but imparting, so that they may be nurtured in the obedience that comes from faith. If I will do that, then I and they will be the disciples that God desires, for His glory.

Father, thank You for this reminder. It’s interesting that I still need it! Help me truly learn all the things You teach me, walking them out in the obedience that comes from unshakable faith, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!