I wrote this in response to some back and forth about whether or not God exists:
Some will see and not believe; others will believe though they do not see. Each has a measure in his own heart that must be met. For some, they have observed, experienced, and heard more than enough to meet that measure. For others nothing but standing before the throne of God themselves will bring them to faith in God. They have faith, but in things other than God. Their own strength, power, intellect, wealth, relationships, others’ strength, power, intellect, wealth, or the comfort and security found in something else. It is unlikely that I or anyone else can persuade them of the truth. The Truth itself alone can persuade.
Lent is certainly a time to consider such things. What does one believe and why? In whom or what does one vest her trust?
I trust in the Lord. Psalm 118:8: It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans.
Why do I trust in God? Why am I a Christian? Because I have studied the Bible and the Lord has impressed on my heart through His Truth there the validity of it. Because I have seen the validity of one’s faith in God in the lives of people who have also believed. Because I believe that the history of mankind and the teachings of the church show that the human heart is, above all things, corrupt and not worthy to be trusted, because Jesus Christ has rescued me, redeemed me, and is remaking me (slowly though it seems, at times) into one like Himself.
I am not perfect, but I am His. I do not have all the answers, but He does. I cannot change even one person’s mind, but He can. That is all I can do, point the way to Christ. That is what I have been called to do. That is what I strive to do faithfully. And there are times that I fail. Thank God that His mercies are new every morning. And that He is merciful and kind, gentle and understanding, and that He holds me in the palm of His hand and as the apple of His eye.