I hate that familiar yet unsolicited feeling of being stuck out on a make-shift raft in the middle of the ocean, with the waves tossing me to and fro with no rescue in sight. I guess this is where the meaning of Faith in my life is truly tested. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1a.
What am I hoping for? Rescue, peace, contentment, purpose, comfort, direction. The only Substance I have is Jesus. He is real, true, faithful, loving, kind, and compassionate. He was in all ways tempted as I am, but did not sin. He is a faithful High Priest who felt what I feel in all ways and in doing so has compassion for what I feel-but He gives me Hope.
I am wondering how I have evidence of things I don't see. Can you imagine sitting in a courtroom as a juror and an attorney presents evidence you can't see? How can I, as a juror, make a decision based on evidence I can't see? The only conclusion I think of is, if what that attorney was presenting is based on absolute truth. Jesus is truth. WHO he is, that is my evidence. So I do not rely on how I feel or what I see to believe. I rely on God's character. His immutable and altogether holy character.
My heart reverberates, as David did, "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?" Psalm 42:5 I love David. He struggled as I do. So when I am struggling to hold on to faith in that boat, I have Jesus. I have all the substance and evidence I need.
