By Nancy Virden (c)2021

Faith is more than believing; it is the evidence of things yet unseen. How we acquire faith is different for each person, nonetheless, the root of having faith is choice. We choose to believe.

For we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

What brings people to the point of no longer whimsically hoping the universe will line up in their favor, is first, belief in God. I did not say, “a god,” rather God with a capital G. I did not say goddess, higher power, or intelligent designer.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6

Recognizing the One True God comes from reading what he wrote. The Bible is often disparaged as a volume written by mere men who lived so far apart in time and space, the books could not be factual. This argument is defeated once we begin to acknowledge, by faith, that God means what he says.

For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:21

To those who study the Bible, at the same time accepting God the Holy Spirit as an interpreter, come to know beyond a shadow of a doubt who God is. Evidence shows up, the substance of our faith is realized, and no longer do we sway at every wind of teaching that floats by.

…the Spirit of truth…will guide you into all the truth.  John 16:13

People who say they have read the Bible to justify their rejection of it, continue to disparage its inerrancy. They do not know God, or his Son, Jesus Christ who claimed to be The Way, The Truth, and The Life. Until one recognizes and accepts that there is but one way to God, through Jesus, reading the Bible is only gathering information.

The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit 1 Corinthians 2:14

Faith is the substance of things hoped for. We gain this substance by reading (or hearing) the Word of God, believing in God, and trusting that he rewards anyone who comes to him in earnest. How do I know all this? The Bible tells me so.

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17

Some debaters would not appreciate what looks like a circular argument (The Bible says God exists and declares that he wrote it, and therefore the Bible is true when it says God exists.) The missing piece of this logical puzzle is proof- the testimonies of those who live it, a thriving holy relationship with God, and faith.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  Hebrews 11:1

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Jude 20-21

But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair.

NOTE: I am not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speak only from personal experiences and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

_{HOLY BIBLE, NEW LIVING TRANSLATION, COPYRIGHT © 1996, 2004, 2015 BY TYNDALE HOUSE FOUNDATION. USED BY PERMISSION OF TYNDALE HOUSE PUBLISHERS, INC., CAROL STREAM, ILLINOIS 60188, PER BIBLE GATEWAY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. RETRIEVED FROM HTTPS://WWW.BIBLEGATEWAY.COM/}