I had a dream while in California. At least I think it was a dream, although it may have occurred in that nighttime space between not quite sleeping and not quite awake. Nevertheless, what happened was 100% God.
I was given a phrase, clear and repeated. “You believe in things you cannot see.”
I knew it was Scripture, although not entirely sure of the specific reference. Hebrews 11:1 maybe. Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Or 2 Corinthians 5:7. For we live by faith, not by sight.
What I did know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, was the context. I knew what it meant. I knew immediately, in my sleep, how to apply my middle-of-the-night exhortation. And it was this application that remained with me the next morning. And remains with me still.
Over the years my “theology”—or my core beliefs—have gravitated toward a few defining features:
I believe in holiness.
I believe in healing.
I believe in wholeness.
And I pray for these things. Believing.
For example. I believe that Jesus—through his death and resurrection—really and truly rescued us from sin. Not just forgiveness for our sins, but actual rescue from our sins. I believe Jesus died to make us holy people. No longer slaves. No longer depraved. No longer sinners. But actually holy. What could never be accomplished in our own efforts, Jesus did for us on the cross, and continues to do for us through the miraculous power of the Holy Spirit. Holiness is real, and it is possible. Hold that thought.
I believe also in healing. Body, mind, and soul… real-life… here and now… healing. I believe healing was the defining feature of Jesus’ messianic mission 2000 years ago. I believe healing characterized the early church. And I believe healing is a sign of God’s kingdom on earth to this very day.
Which is to say, I believe in wholeness. I believe in SHALOM. Life made right. Nothing missing, nothing broken. I believe the Kingdom of God, here and now in our earthly space, is a Kingdom where broken things are made whole, dead things come alive, and corrupt things are made new. I believe this with all of my heart.
And thus, the dream and its context.
“You believe in things you cannot see.”
In my dream I heard this statement, and I knew what it meant. I understood in a way I hadn’t before and it became the KEY to the things I believe.
Consider this…
I believe with all my heart that Jesus has made a way for holiness to be real—even when I don’t see it. Even if my vision is distorted by the things I can see in this earthly kingdom. I still believe.
“You believe in things you cannot see.”
I believe also in healing. I seek healing. Even when every earthly “seen” thing says “There’s no way.” Because there IS a way. Jesus can and he does and he IS…even when we don’t see it. Even when we don’t understand. Healing is real.
“You believe in things you cannot see.”
And I believe always for shalom-wholeness. I believe in a Shalom Kingdom, wholly restored. Here. Now. On earth as it is in heaven.
And here is the key. In my dream there was no distinction between the Kingdom Jesus established 2000 years ago, and the eternal Kingdom he’ll perfect at his return. There was only one Kingdom. Which is to say, it’s all connected. Everything we believe now. Everything we pray for now. Everything we work for now. All of it is a continuous part of an eternal Kingdom.
I have given my allegiance to this eternal Kingdom. This Heaven Kingdom. And even though it’s unseen, this Kingdom is the most REAL thing. More real even than this earthly kingdom. I do not have to see it to believe it.
I believe in things I cannot see.