What Can I Say?

A friend wants to understand why I believe in God, or at least how I think about Him. He wants evidence.

I know a lot of facts, about books like Lee Strobel’s The Case For Christ. Those of us who believe see the evidence everywhere, but that’s not the sort of proof that’ll impress my friend. Experience shows a committed skeptic can refute the most reasoned apologetics, because apologetics isn’t science.

The simple fact is that I can’t prove God’s existence with scientific certainty. That’s why it’s called “faith” and why the Bible says, “For we live by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

I’ve had similar discussions in the past. I’ve concluded that I cannot argue or debate anyone into faith. I’ve been sucked into too many pointless debates that didn’t represent Jesus very well and only left me frustrated.

This time, I’m just sad.

I’m sad because I’m confident. I’ve grown enough to know I don’t need someone else to validate my beliefs by accepting or agreeing, but for me this isn’t a purely academic, philosophical discussion. We’re talking about a choice that carries eternal consequences. I know I can’t force a change of heart, but it’s hard to simply shrug it off.

I wish I understood how the Spirit works, why He touches some hearts and not others. I wish I knew the right words. My friend will find this somewhat silly anyway. But changing a heart is God’s job, not mine. I guess I’m glad about that.

But today, I’m also a little sad.

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