Some of the greatest accomplishments in human history have come, not because something was true, but because someone believed it was true. Every medical accomplishment was previously thought impossible until someone did it. Running a less than 4-minute mile was considered beyond human ability until Roger Bannister did it in 1954.

When we speak about belief and faith we often do it in strictly religious terms. We assume that belief is a concept that has to do with God and nothing else. In reality, belief is necessary for every part of our lives.

In the 17th Century The Virginia Company sought to raise funds to travel from England to the “New World.” They received a charter from King James I allowing people to buy a “share” of their company. This would benefit the investors if the company did well and would give The Virginia Company the capital it needed to make this voyage.

Now, you can’t really buy a “share” of a company so what are you buying? There is no tangible item yet people do this all the time. You are buying into an idea and a belief in what can be.

What we need to acknowledge is that no matter what your thoughts are about God, you already have beliefs. Beliefs bring meaning to our life and make life better in many ways. Everyone has beliefs.

• What beliefs do you hold?
• How do some of your beliefs make life better?
• Like the example of the less than 4-minute mile, why do we assume something is impossible until we see it?