Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

~ Mark 11:24 (ESV) ~

Let’s be honest, everyone believes in something. Even the person who proudly claims to “believe in nothing” is holding on to a belief about that nothing. (Which is something... Try not to get a headache.) I still remember the first time I was taught the Big Bang Theory at Valley Junior High in Carlsbad, California. The basic idea? “In the beginning, there was nothing... and then it exploded.” Wait, what? Nothing with a bang. It exploded?! What! I’m so confused. 

I don’t mean to be sarcastic (well, maybe just a little), but are we really supposed to believe that nothing, such as no time, no space, no substance, spontaneously turned into everything? My math teacher said that nothing times anything is still... nothing. I think my science and math teachers should compare notes. Who’s correct? Is it that Nothing times anything equals everything, or that Nothing times anything equals nothing? Anyway, it’s pretty obvious that you need to start with something. However, if you do lean into it from a "something" standpoint and keep going, you’ll see it’s not something, but Someone.

The truth is that kind of origin story, “nothingness,” requires faith just as much as believing in something or Someone. In fact, I’d argue, it takes more faith in how it all works to believe in nothing than in something in the long run. It’s pretty simple; how do you have faith in a magic trick with no magician? Something to think about.   

The Christian faith, on the other hand, begins with this bold and beautiful declaration: “In the beginning, God…” Not randomness. Not luck. Not some cosmic coin toss. But a Person, God, who speaks, creates, saves, loves, and moves. That’s why the Christian life runs on a simple yet powerful formula: Belief + Action = Faith.

Belief alone? That’s just a thought, or a truth claim, like saying you believe in healthy eating while housing a dozen donuts. Action alone? On the other hand, that’s hustle without a heart. But when you combine belief and action, you unleash the transformative power of living faith. This is the kind of faith that builds character, transforms lives, and actually means something. It's not just a concept, it's a force or an influence for change.

Jesus knew this. When Jairus came to Him desperate for healing, Jesus didn’t hand him a theology book. He said, “Just believe.” (Luke 8:50) Why? Because belief shapes your perspective, it’s the lens you use to see life. And it’s not just about how you feel, but how you live.

The Apostle Paul didn’t say, “I sit quietly and hope for the best.” He said, “I press on toward the goal…” (Philippians 3:14). His faith was a full-contact sport, focused, driven, and active. And that goal? To become like Christ. Not for applause or points, but to reflect the goodness of God in a world gasping for air.

This type of faith is alive, dynamic, and directed toward something true and eternal. It’s not wishful thinking; it’s living with conviction. It’s praying not just to speak into the void, but to speak to Someone who listens, responds, and redeems.

Mark 11:24 puts it plainly: when you ask in prayer, believe you’ve received it, and it will be yours. This is not a promise of instant gratification, but a call to trust the Giver more than the gift. It's a reminder that God's timing is perfect, and His plans are for our good. So act like your faith is real, even before the results show up, knowing that you are secure in His hands. It’s not “fake it” tell you make it, but “faith it” until you make it. One leads to nothing, the other to something— better yet, Someone.

So… here’s the real question: What are you believing in today? Who are you believing in?

If you’re feeling confused by chaos, or spinning like that ever-expanding universe they told you about in junior high, maybe it’s time for a recalculation. Don’t settle for believing in nothing. Believe in the One who brings everything into focus—purpose, peace, promise, and a life that makes sense because it’s built on the Rock.

Believe in the God who redeems your past, empowers your present, and secures your future. And then, act like it’s real! Because in Christ, it is.

As always:

Stay strong. Stay grounded. And Suit Up.

Pastor Drake