.....he appeared to Mary Magdalene.... and she went out and told those who had been with him while they were mourning and weeping. But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.
After that he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.
Later (Jesus) appeared to the eleven themselves, as they were sitting at the table; and he upbraided them for their lack of faith and stubbornness, because they had not believed those who had seen him after he had risen.
(New Revised Standard Version)
In the few days after the resurrection Jesus is seen by a number of people, three of whom go and tell the disciples that they have seen Him alive. But it is not until Jesus appears to the eleven disciples that they actually have faith that this is true. In Mark's version of this story Jesus then tells them off for their lack of faith.
Sometimes we use the words "belief" and "faith" interchangeably, but they are not the same. We may believe it is important to eat healthy food and to exercise regularly, however, many of us (me included) do not personally eat healthy food or exercise regularly. We believe the facts are true, but we don't necessarily commit to the lifestyle.
We can know that God exists, but do we have faith enough to put our trust in Him at this time?
Lord God,
strengthen our belief in You
that we may have sufficient faith
to know that we can place
all our trust in You;
that when life seems difficult,
You are there at the centre of our life
and we may rest secure in Your loving care.
Amen