“I believe in you.”

Those might just be the most powerful words you can say to someone.

Belief is an amazing thing.  When you believe in someone, you actually believe in something that hasn’t happened – something yet to be.  You see it whether they do or not. You see not only their potential (for we all have potential), but you see the end result of that potential.  You are far less an idealist and much more a realist. And the certainty of your hope helps instill the courage necessary for them to step into that reality. To achieve.  To realize.  To become.

When hope becomes belief, belief drives you toward destiny.  For when we believe in a future expectation, we are motivated to act on it in the present.

Oftentimes, you will believe in someone more than they believe in themselves.  Perhaps their vision is clouded by doubt or past failures, but you see what God sees. He knows what He has planned for our lives and is excited about who we are becoming in His Son.  “For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son…” (Romans 8:29a). God believes in us. And His belief is not only the basis, but also the catalyst to move us steadily into His plans for us.

Both to assure and ensure, He has deposited His Spirit within us. The Spirit anchors us in one sense and propels us in another.  We simultaneously stand firmly in Him and yet are carried along by Him. For the Holy Spirit is The Encourager.

Jesus spoke belief into almost every person He encountered, but it sounded like this, “Go and sin no more,” “Feed my sheep,” “Follow Me.” A challenge. A call. An invitation. But each with a promise of things yet to be – of someone yet to be.

Jesus says to us, “I believe in you!” so that we can echo His words into the lives of others. Those words make a difference. They boldly declare, “I’m on your team.” Think about the impact words like that have had on you. You truly never forget them for they are woven into the fabric of your being and your becoming.

By the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, we can partner with the Spirit in this holy pursuit by simply encouraging one another. Who needs to hear you say, “I believe in you”?

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV).

© 2015 Tim McKenzie
On Every Word Ministries
www.OnEveryWord.com