Seeing is believing

I was discussing faith with someone the other day and this person does not have as much faith as he feels that he should. I am fortunate in that I have an abundance of solid faith and am not doubtful in the least. I should be clear that I do not understand everything about God. Faith is not understanding God. Take the creation of the universe for example. I do not understand exactly how God created it, but I have faith that He did.

We are not equal to God and I believe that some things are simply too complex and difficult for human comprehension. Just as an ant is created lower than a human and is limited in its cognitive functions, we were created lower than God and are likewise limited. In order to become a Christian one must accept this premise and be prepared to accept some things that cannot be seen and/or understood on faith. Herein lies the problem for some people.

If I had one thing that I could name as helping me to strengthen my faith it would be Bible study. The more I study it and read it the more faith I have. One example in the Bible that solidifies my faith is the action of the disciples when Jesus was taken by the Roman soldiers to be crucified. To a person they were terrified and ran away to hide and even denied knowing Him. After Christ was crucified, died, resurrected, and then appeared to them, these same formerly cowardly men lost all fear of death and boldly preached God’s word in spite of every consequence including their own imprisonment, scourging, and even crucifixion. What turned them from their cowardice? There are many examples like this in the Bible and all build faith.

I also find the answers to my problems through Bible study. I cannot begin to tell you how often I will have something troubling me and open my Bible exactly to a verse of Scripture that addresses that exact problem. I have often called my wife to my side and shown it to her. This phenomenon makes the very hair on my neck stand on end. The Bible states that it is living’ and sharper than any two edged sword. I believe that verse with all my heart as the Bible and God’s Holy Spirit comfort me when I’m down and give me perfect advice when I need it.

The second thing that makes my faith so strong is my prayer life. I have seen prayer work too many times to recount. I have felt God’s presence and gentle voice. God has never boomed down His commands or advice, but I have heard His gentle voice in my heart and throughout my being. Prayer can bring peace and rest’ to an otherwise tumultuous chaotic existence.

Finally the gathering together with other Christian men and women at church (or anywhere for that matter), is helpful towards strengthening my faith. Seeing God work in the lives of others and in His church is very effective. Worshipping God with songs, good preaching, prayer, offering my tithes and offerings and feeling the blessings of it, all contribute. Hearing others interpretations and exchanging ideas in Bible study classes are excellent tools that can be utilized in building faith.

These are the things that help me the most: Bible study, prayer, and gathering together with other Christians. The other is my own life. Before I knew Christ my life was a complete wreck in every measurable criterion! Today my life is so far removed from those days it is incomprehensible to me that I ever lived as I did back in those days and was in that miserable, lonely, and depraved condition. I suppose if someone has to cling to: “Seeing is believing”, knowing me before and after would be their evidence.

The Bible has much to say about faith. I found a verse on faith and creation that must be read a couple of times to really get the meaning, but I think is poignant.

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is being sure of what we
hope for and certain of what we do not
see. This is what the ancients were
commended for.

By faith we understand that the universe
was formed at God’s command, so that what
is seen was not made out of what was visible.