Where Faith Fails.

Where faith fails. From the very start there are challenges to believe in things you don’t understand or perhaps can’t see. Hence, we say “seeing is believing” and that’s a pretty solid foundation for most things. The “seeing” I mean, unless you hang around a lot with the great illusionist, David Copperfield. As we enter and make progress within the realm of faith, religious faith, we are drawn to a perspective that is more in line with believing is “seeing,” so to speak. Not that we are called to put our brains on the shelf and stuff any questions we have. But as we begin to live more closely in relationship with God, come closer in understanding both who He is and His ways, our life experiences more and more validate the truth of God’s person and practices so that we gain confidence in His word and His work . . .  nurturing a more certain faith.

I recognize that to simply say “the Bible says” doesn’t seem to cut it these days with non-Christians as well as with many Christians. I personally find it easier to excuse non-Christians for their skepticism because the Bible offers backup for such a position acknowledging that such things are foolishness to them. (1 Cor. 1:18; 2:14; 2 Cor. 4:3) Questions are a healthy response to the nuances of scriptures and the mysteries which they unfold. Research and prayer are also excellent follow through for the inquiring mind. God is not angered at us or disappointed in us when we don’t understand. The Psalms are full of questions by King David, and Job pushed the envelope a bit in his “debate” with God. Both David and Job emerged better off for their questions.

If you have been a Christ follower for a while, did you have all the answers you needed at the start and has your journey been as you predicted? Probably not. Let’s not get sidetracked by the issues and questions that will become clear in time if not over time. Is there any substance to evolution? Are the miracles really real? How does God heal, if He does? Can my sins and my past truly be forgiven? I am encouraged by Jesus and the Dad Jesus ministered to in Mark 9:24 who said, “I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief.” Help is a wonderful 4 letter word. Think About It.