Why I believe? by Essence

Why I believe? by Essence - January 2026 Scholarship Essay

But who do you say I am? - Matthew 16:15. This question from Jesus to His disciples felt like the exact same question I needed to ask myself: Who is God to me?

To begin with, one day in history class. My teacher said, “Y’all only believe in God because your relatives told you to.” That statement hit deeper than Iexpected. I’m a pastor's kid, and my whole life has been built around Sunday services, Wednesday night Bible studies, and prayer meetings. My belief was always there, but that moment made me stop and ask myself: Do I believe in God because I truly know him, or do I believe simply because my father is a pastor?

For a while, the question stuck with me. It didn't just go in one ear and out the other, for weeks I kept thinking about it. I didn’t want to doubt God, but I couldn’t ignore the feeling either. Romans 9:20 states “But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God?” That verse reminded me how powerful and sovereign God is. Made me feel like I wasn't allowed to even question my belief.

However, instead of letting fear control me, I chose to bring my doubts to God. Not to question him, but to seek a deeper understanding of my beliefs. I prayed and asked God to release any confusion from my mind and reveal to me the truth and not just what I’ve been told, but what was real.

Surely, God met me where I was. He answered my prayer; confusion was released and certainty was revealed. He reminded me of all the moments that weren't connected to my dad or church. The moments with just me and Him. The times I cried and gave me peace, the nights I prayed and he answered, when he was my comfort when everything seemed like a conflict. That wasn’t ethics, but encounters. I realized that my belief wasn’t shaped by my earthly father’s words and actions; I believed because of my Heavenly Father's responses and experiences. That one statement helped me grow my own relationship with God. My prayers became more sincere, my worship more honest, and my desire for God more personal.

In conclusion, I am thankful that one comment led me to a God-size revelation. I don’t believe out of tradition or pressure; I believe because I have personally experienced God. Now I’m sure my faith wasn’t loaned but led.