The Two Big Questions
- Steve Backlund
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
The Two Big Questions
By Steve Backlund
Matthew 4:4 says, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God". This scripture highlights this crucial truth: the quality of our lives depends on identifying what we believe God has said to us in promise, in our identity, and in the directions for us to go and the choices we make. We can face a lot of life's uncertainties if we have a “word” from the Lord. But if we don't, the only way to fully “live” is if everything is going perfectly.
This leads me to the core of today's message: The Two Big Questions. These are questions we should ask ourselves, whether we are facing a challenge or pursuing a dream and these questions need to be in this specific order.
Question 1: What Do I Need to Believe?
The first big question is this: "What do I need to believe?” This is paramount because good beliefs are more important than good actions in the New Covenant. The question of the hour is not, "Lord, what should I do?" but rather, "Lord, what should I believe? What do you want me to renew my mind with?" As Romans 12:2 tells us, transformation comes by renewing our minds, not by trying harder. What I believe is more important than what I do. As we are convinced of this, it will dramatically impact our lives.
What specifically do we need to believe? We start with our general beliefs - foundational beliefs based on the promises of God. Some of my favorite general beliefs come from my 25 Beliefs for Leaders and Influencers. They include:
The adaptability belief: I will thrive no matter what happens.
The forward movement belief: My forward movement in life causes red seas to part.
The bottom-lining belief: Even if the worst happens, I will be okay.
The solution's belief: There is always a solution in every situation.
It is so important to have these general beliefs strong before we move into specific beliefs related to our particular challenge or dream. The source of our specific beliefs comes from the promises of God, but also from "aha moments" (or what we call "rhema words"). In Matthew 4:4, the Greek word for "word" is rhema, which is a specific word from God made real to you. We can get rhema words through prayer, unusual coincidences, encounters, and prophetic words. (These words must always be supported by biblical truths.) Paul encouraged Timothy to "fight a good warfare according to the prophecies spoken to you" (1 Timothy 1:18). We “fight” in our thinking with what we believe God has specifically said to us. So, in any situation, whether it's personal habits, health, finances, or relationships, ask yourself, "What am I to believe generally, but then specifically, what am I to believe about this?" Then we renew our minds with these beliefs (Romans 12:2).
Question 2: What Do I Need to Do?
The second big question is: "What do I need to do?"; or put another way, “What actions will cause forward movement in this area of my life?” In Exodus 14:15, God asks Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell my people to move forward." In the face of the Red Sea and the pursuing Egyptians, God said, "Move forward".
I recall years ago Bill Johnson talking about how, before offering counseling, he would prescribe "mega doses of the word" (prayer, worship, scripture, sermons) encouraging people to move forward spiritually first before addressing a particular problem. Often, that forward movement was all they needed, and the counseling appointment was cancelled.
After assessing our general forward movement and spiritual connection, we then ask specifically, "What am I to do about this challenge? What am I to do about this desire and dream that I have?" James 1:5 says, "If any man lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” As we ask in faith, we will receive specific ideas, strategies, and direction. For example, in a challenging relationship, we ask, "How do I move forward in approaching this difficult situation? What do I believe You are saying, Lord?". Sometimes, the answer involves our getting a plan to increase trust in key people involved. Other times it will be establishing healthy boundaries, apologizing for our actions, forgiving, or something else.
The Power of Belief, Action, and Faith
When we decide on how to think and what to do based on a word from the Lord, it brings peace and greater confidence even when circumstances haven't changed yet. We determine our beliefs and our actions, and then we attach faith to them (believing we are believing and doing the right thing). When our decisions and beliefs are based on the Word of God, godly counsel, and what we believe the Lord has specifically said, our joy and influence will grow.
This whole topic (the two big questions) is explored deeply in my book, Fully Convinced: The Art of Decision-Making. As we ask these two questions and hear from the Lord, we will truly “live” and see transformation all around us.