Why I Believe
By: Justin Fatica
Sometimes I get asked the question “Why do you believe?” or “Why do you have faith?”. I reflected on these questions, prayed about them, and came up with the top few reasons that I believe! I think that these reasons can become the template by which we live our lives of faith, believing in our God every day.
1. I have a God, who is my Father, who loves me very much
That’s the number one reason I believe! Because I have a God, who is my Father, who loves me very much. What if every person on the planet knew this and believed it with their whole heart? God is omnipotent, omnipresent, and created the universe, yet He chooses to love you and me intimately and perfectly. This is incredible! On my good days and bad days, God loves me the same.
2. I would be a disaster without God in my life
Another reason I believe is that, without God, I know I would be a disaster! Because of concupiscence, we have a tendency to sin. He saves me from my past sins and regrets. We need a Savior more than ever in these tumultuous times in our country. St. Paul says in 1 Timothy 1:15 “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst”. St. Paul knew he was a disaster and needed Jesus!
3. I have a God who sent His Son to save me
You can have a great life when you accept Jesus into your life personally! Jesus can help us to have a great life. I have four sons – Joseph, John Paul, Rocco, and Dominic. I wouldn’t send them on a bloody cross for any of you. But God did. That’s how much He wants to save us.
4. I have a mission, purpose, and goal
I have a mission in my life. My mission is to help every single person I meet get to heaven. Before Christ, my mission was not to bring people to heaven, it was to torture them with my antics. Then I met Fr. Larry Richards who was key in my conversion and helping me gain a mission in life. (Click here to hear more about this from Fr. Larry Richards!) Matthew 22:37-39 says “And He said to him, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’” This is my mission every day.
5. God made me and you amazing
I believe that God made us amazing through his grace. It is through grace that we receive faith and purpose. My identity becomes something outside of myself. We are beautiful because we are made in God’s image and likeness. 2,000 years ago, God proved I was amazing! Romans 5:8 says “But God proves His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us!” God showed us how much He loved us by sending His only Son to die for us. That’s how much He loves you and thinks you’re amazing. That’s why I believe.
Pray from your heart today...
“Lord Jesus, I give my life over to you. I’m sorry for doubting you. I’m sorry for all the mistakes I’ve made and the sins I’ve committed. I thank you for dying for me on the cross. I thank you for showing me that I am amazing. I give my life over to You. I give You control over my life. I will change the direction of my life, I will read my bible daily, I will go to church and I will get my life back on track. I want to change.” Amen
If you prayed that prayer from your heart, and believe that Jesus died for your sins, that means that you believe! That you will have a great life. When you believe, you receive the grace to get through one day, one challenge at a time. Now you are DANGEROUS because you believe.
