Believe (v): accept something as true; feel sure of the truth of.
Over the past few months, I have been practicing belief – belief in myself as a coach, belief in my business, and belief that this path is meant for me.
I have noticed how the word “belief” has appeared in Scripture, from Divine Mercy Sunday to Ordinary time, spoken by Jesus himself:
“The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” – John 6
“You may go; as you have believed, let it be done for you.” (Jesus speaking to the centurion in Matthew 8)
“Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” – John 20
Jesus’ reaction to Thomas, and to all of us continues to be an incredible act of mercy.
While I have faith in God, this new season of life has me questioning myself.
Fast forward to June of this year when I felt the Holy Spirit inviting me to apply for a new position. Cue the impending doubt. “I’m not ready for this.” “Will I even be good enough?”
The doubt kept me frozen in place.
What melted away the doubt and prompted a shift from simply considering the position to actually applying, was the incredible encouragement I received from the colleagues and friends whom I shared my thoughts with.
They believed in me.
They shared with me the ways in which they saw my experiences and talents and how these qualities would greatly benefit the role and the people I would be serving. It was during this process of applying and preparing for interviews that I leaned on their belief, which gave me the courage to take the next steps.
My thoughts shifted from “I can’t” to the question, “How can I?” I began to find proof in past experiences and characteristics that would make me an ideal candidate.
Spoiler alert: I did not get the position.
However, what I gained instead was a greater understanding of the communion of Saints and the power of belief.
In my moments of doubt, my friends and colleagues showed up for me. Adopting their belief helped my thoughts slowly shift.
The journey of belief extends to embracing our own potential and to the support of those around us. Through the encouragement and belief of others, we find the strength to overcome doubt and step into new possibilities. Even when our immediate desires may not be fulfilled, the power of belief opens our hearts to deeper understanding and reveals our interconnectedness to those that have walked the path of faith before us (the Saints).
When we continue to cultivate belief in ourselves, in others, and in God’s unique plan for us, we unlock the beauty and limitless potential of our lives.
