by: Gary L. Hutchens A crisis is defined as a critical moment, a decisive point in time, a situation or period of time in which matters are difficult, uncertain, painful, potentially dangerous, even catastrophic. Frequently, a crisis calls for decisive action in order to avoid disaster. Everyone faces a crisis in life from time to time, some more compelling than others. One of the most profound of all crises is a crisis of faith, which can come in different forms. The most serious crisis of faith is to have one’s faith shaken to its very roots, perhaps to the point of being on the verge of losing one’s faith. Faith is the basis for true hope, our “anchor of the soul” (Heb. 6:19). Faith provides us an assurance of substance to hold onto (Heb. 11:1). Take away faith, and hope becomes just a wish.
Some people find themselves in situations wherein, for one reason or another, they begin to question their faith. Some challenge the very concept of biblical faith as being nothing more than a blind leap in the dark. They point to a supposed lack of empirical evidence for the existence of God- “you can’t see Him, you can’t hear Him, you can’t touch Him…” Yet these very same skeptics accept, on faith, numerous things. What does wind look like? Can you see electricity? Has anyone ever viewed a neutron? The retort is that we know these things exist because of the evidence of their existence. Wind rustles through the leaves of a tree and makes the grass dance in the field. Electricity ignites light bulbs that illuminate our homes. We can observe the evidence of the presence of neutrons under certain conditions. Ah, yes, exactly… Such logical reasoning is admirable. But why do these rational thinkers find themselves so lacking in logical reasoning when it comes to recognizing and acknowledging the overwhelming evidence of the existence of God? The obvious design of this world in which we live- indeed, of the universe- demands the presence of a supreme intelligence behind the design (Rom. 1:19-20). To suggest that the synchronous relationship of the various features of nature, and the cosmos, could have possibly happened without a purposeful design is ludicrous, illogical and utterly unscientific. Worst of all, when a person eliminates God from his life he leaves himself with nothing to fall back on. No hope, no real anchor, no purpose or meaning in life. He has also removed the only real basis for morality in his life. Without God as the standard, morality is purely subjective. Our society is systematically and purposefully removing God and godliness from our social culture. We should not be surprised to one day wake up and find ourselves in a godless society, and that will not be a pretty thing to behold! God is abundantly observable in the creation (Rom. 1:20). God speaks to us through His word (Ps. 119:15-18). We have the opportunity to speak to Him through prayer (Jer. 33:3), through the praise and adoration of worship and through lives dedicated to His service. The worst crisis of faith imaginable is to have no faith at all… Comments are closed.
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