....evidence

There are many people who remain just outside the gate of eternal life. They have heard the gospel message but are still not convinced of its absolute truth. They may concede that religion is "good," but they need much more evidence before being willing or able to commit their life.

Many of us in the church can relate to those standing outside the gate, refusing to commit. We are inside, but most are not following Christ as we should. We say that if God would give us signs like He gave Abraham and Moses, then all doubt would be removed and we would follow in true obedience. But I'm not sure we would! Jesus said we must obediently follow before we will truly know; "If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether My teaching comes from God or whether I speak on My own" John 7:17. God has revealed Himself. He has called us to follow - to step out in faith - and to THEN receive a wonderful confirmation of His truth.

My own life is my greatest "sign" pointing to God. I have never seen the Red Sea part nor audibly heard God's voice in a burning bush. I have never seen water changed to wine, a blind man made able to see, or a lame man made able to walk. But when I look back at the "mud and mire" Psalm 40:2 from which I have been saved, I see an absolutely clear miracle. And as I continue to try and walk with Jesus day in and day out, I have come to the place where I KNOW!

Indeed, following leads to confirmation. But Paul also reminds us that all the wonders of creation are a sign of God's Hand.

"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." Romans 1:20 There are signs of God all around. Yet sadly, our senses are too often closed. We cry out for evidence, yet we see, hear, smell, touch, and taste evidence every day; He is with us, all around us, in infinite detail.

It is not surprising that the world fails to recognize the evidence; "the sinful mind is hostile to God" Romans 8:7. The world lives in darkness and is blind to Heavenly wonders. But we no longer belong to the world! "He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness" Colossians 1:13. Those who have been rescued must now walk in the Light and "see" according to what the Light reveals.

God is calling us into a life of continual and passionate devotion. Let's begin to worship Him every moment of every day as we see His glory in the flowers, trees, and stars; as we hear His beauty in the songs of a bird and the cry of a baby. We are surrounded by an abundance of spiritual signs - signs confirming He is real! Let's step through the gate with full commitment and continue our walk in humble submission. 

Let's live to glorify His name and open our senses to the true evidence of God.

- steve troxel