The Messenger

The 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver are but a memory. I imagine by now though, most Canadians are familiar with the song “I believe”; the words and music by Alan Frew and Stephan Moccio and sung by Nikki Yanofsky. Young Yanofsky has a powerful and inspiring voice. If all we had to look forward to in life was the “stuff” the world has to offer and all we needed was self-will and determination, I would have nothing but accolades for the writer of this song. However, my faith in God’s grace, power and hope for you and I tells me otherwise.

The apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” Spoken like a true Olympian. Each of our lives is much like that of an Olympian; we have a race to run, a goal to achieve. What we need to ask ourselves though is what are we striving for and where do we get our strength? Paul was not striving to win a competition but striving to win souls – for God.

I believe… the goal and challenge Jesus gave his disciples in Mark 16:15-16 (NIV) is also the mandate of every Christian. He (Jesus) said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

When I hear the song “I Believe”, I want to shout and say, “YES… but there is much more”, for I know where my strength comes from. I want to tell them (and you) about my friend Jesus.

In the first verse of the song the writer contradicts God, “…There comes a moment when my heart must stand alone, on this lonely path I’ve chosen. In Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV) Moses said, Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." There will be times when you will feel alone, but you’re not.

When things go well it tends to be our nature to say, “I believe in the power of you and I.” But what happens when things don’t go the way we plan? Who can you turn to when your best was not good enough in the eyes of the world or something devastating happens? Well, my friend Jesus is there with these comforting words, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) I can’t explain how but I know it’s true.

The song sees victory in only winning what the world has to offer but Christ has much more to offer. Come and see.

Ephesians 1:18-19a (NIV) I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

I believe … in Jesus. – S.D.G.