All of us were doubters at one point. Our paths to faith are varied, yet all were directed by our sovereign Lord.
Some of us are natural skeptics. I know I am. I felt right at home when I lived in the “Show-Me State” for 13 years. I rarely believe what I hear, and I believe even less of what I read. I am not a naturally trusting individual.
For years I implored the Lord for proof of His reality. His answer was not immediate, but it was clear.
My family in Christ will agree that God often answers our plea for “show me” through trial. Sometimes that is the only way God can get our attention. We are prone to look up only when knocked flat on our backs.
Our culture shouts, “Self-reliance! You deserve it! You can be whatever you want to be!”
Truth be told, most of us need to get to the end of ourselves to find God. He knows this; such is the purpose of trial. And He is there in the midst of it all, waiting to elevate us – heart, soul, and mind – above whatever we face.
After years of wrestling, I am now convinced, unshakable, and so very thankful.
I was recently asked if I would be open to “evidence that the Bible is false.”
My response will always be, “Absolutely!” I am not at all afraid to read or hear anything questioning the ancient text that has changed my life. Bring it on.
You see, like millions of others, I’ve had an undeniable encounter with the living Lord. I have heard Him, have experienced His presence, and have been changed by His Holy Spirit and living Word. No human argument can stand against what I know to be true.
Some have asked me, “How can any intelligent person believe in a Creator God, a world-wide flood, a virgin birth, resurrection after death….?”
Again, my answer must be, “I’ve had an undeniable encounter with the living Lord. I have heard Him, have experienced His presence, and have been changed by His Holy Spirit and living Word. No human argument can stand against what I know to be true.”
If that simple answer makes me a simpleton, then I’m gladly a simpleton for Christ.
No intellectual debate poses a threat because the evidence of Christ’s transformational power, both in my life and the lives of innumerable members of the Body of Christ whom I’ve known over the last 45 years, is so compelling.
And if you’re of the mind that Christ followers are clueless dolts and uneducated sheeples, I must wholeheartedly disagree. The majority of those with whom I’ve been in fellowship are highly educated, analytical, and clear- and open-minded individuals.
It is human nature to judge what is not understood. It is Divine Providence to see what is of the Spirit.
God made the gospel simple. Mankind greatly muddies the water by intellectualizing all things, believing their finite minds are above God’s. The Scriptures warn of this; here are a few passages of many:
“…but God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast in His presence.” (I Corinthians 1:27)
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” (Proverbs 14:12)
“Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.” (Proverbs 28:26)
A precious stranger on Facebook recently posted that the Scriptures are “ramblings of psychos that were ruled by superstition and ignorance.”
Bless her heart. I have mercy because I once shared her opinion. Now I can honestly say, “There, but for the grace of God, go I.” I couldn’t see because my eyes were wide shut. The Bible explains this:
“The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.” (I Corinthians 2:14)
What is spiritually discerned cannot be intellectually explained.
The Holy Spirit has opened my eyes and has lifted the veil of misunderstanding. The Scriptures have come alive. And no matter how long I study the precious, ancient words, I am continually fed and challenged to grow in faith as my Lord reveals His very heart to me.
Atheism is easy. It’s the natural response from a fallen world. Pride prompts individuals to reject what their human intellect cannot comprehend. After all, isn’t faith the epitome of foolishness?
Faith, on the other hand, is a miracle. It requires supernatural empowerment. “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith.” (I John 5:4) Those who walk in genuine faith know they are empowered by Someone greater than themselves. It is an undeniable reality.
I welcome any and all challenges. On solid Rock I stand.
My challenge to you? If you have not already done so, seek Jesus. Submit to Jesus. Ask the Holy Spirit to remove the veil of doubt. Embrace the miracle, and see all that is glorious.
Joy in Jesus,
Jacquee