Matthew 5:11 – Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Romans 5:1-2 – Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] boast in the hope of the glory of God.
I still remember the astonished look on his face and the subsequent look of disappointment and, maybe even pity, as listened to my response on whether or not I believed in evolution. He was more of a friend than an opponent and I believe his disappointment and pity came from a regard for me. He had asked me if I believed in Evolution and I had responded that I did not. He sincerely believed I was wrong. He could not believe that I didn’t.
Yet he is not the first or the last time I would see that look on people’s faces and, or, one who felt bad for me, believing what I believe. Some people make a god of science, or philosophy, or their own cognitive or reasoning ability. If anyone believes the Bible that God gave to us more than what they believe then they believe that person is either a fool or acting foolish. At the very least, they believe that the person who takes God’s Word first and always is sadly wrong and, or, deceived.
What they often don’t realize is that many who believe in Christ don’t believe on “dumb faith.” Faith, yes. Even when we don’t understand all the thousands (millions) nuances or arguments against the faith it is not “blind faith” or “dumb faith.” We believe “…because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day. (2 Timothy 1:12b) We know that we know God personally. We have walked with Him, we have talked with Him, we have heard Him and we definitely, daily, have received from Him. God, whom they cannot see or hear, we do (Hebrews 11:1). So our faith is yes, based on the Word of God, but it is also based on the very real relationship with God. Those who don’t have that relationship don’t understand. They think we are deceived or delusional. They just don’t understand and they cannot because they are separated from God (at the moment). (1 Corinthians 1:14, 1 Corinthians 1:18) But, in and through the Spirit, the very real Spirit of God, 1 John 1:1 the reality of our God is palpable and tactile. Though the Apostle John wrote as one who physically experienced Jesus, we who now live have no less an experience of hearing, seeing and touching and being touched by God than He. (John 20:29) This is all nonsense to the non-believer and the neophyte, but those who walk with God via His Spirit, know and understand the truth and reality of our experience with Him.
Stubbornness. Usually considered a bad trait. But properly applied, it is a great trait. To stubbornly hold on to truth regardless of a multitude opposing it, is a praiseworthy trait that God will bless and reward. Therefore, let us stubbornly hold onto the truth because of the reality of God in our life. And what is the truth? Jesus famously said “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” (John 14:6) Family, we do know God, we know Him personally and intimately and that through Jesus. Praise God! Yes! Praise God! He indeed has done great things!
Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Micah 7:7 – But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Micah 6:8 – He has shown You, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of You but to do justly, to love mercy, And to walk humbly with Your God.
Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”