Proof of the Invisible

Luke 5:23-24 -  "Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.”

It is understandably hard to believe in a God we cannot see. There are many ways to explain the existence of the complex, yet highly structured, creation that envelops us. Some people have developed some creative theories that do not involve an all-powerful creator. Yet, many of us believe a purposeful Designer provides a much more realistic explanation.

God often gives even more direct evidence of his reality and the truth of the Good News of Jesus Christ. In this story, Jesus deals with an audience of skeptical Jewish leaders by using the physical evidence of miraculous healing to prove his divine authority to forgive sins.

I enjoyed reading Gifted Hands, by the renowned neurosurgeon Ben Carson (who will speak at Southeastern University’s Forum in March 2014). He tells the story of his freshman year in college when he was at risk of flunking chemistry and thereby losing his scholarship and his opportunity to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor. He needed to get an A on the final exam and studied until late at night, still unsure if understood what he needed to. The exhausted young Christian prayed one last desperate prayer for God’s help.  As he fell asleep, he experienced a vivid dream in which a shadowy figure began to write chemistry equations on the board. Carson began to write notes in his dream then awoke to find he remembered everything. He was shocked to discover every problem on the exam had been in his dream. He earned a 97% and continued to seek God’s very real help throughout his career, finding that guidance leading to many breakthrough, life-saving surgical techniques.

There is proof of the invisible God’s very real power all around us. I have witnessed several cases in my own life the last few days. I encourage you to open your eyes in new ways and embrace the life-changing power of Jesus Christ.