1989) As I grew up in the church, there were many times I contemplated my faith. I felt the way the rich man in Jesus’ parable did. I thought seeing signs and wonders like the people of Jesus’ day would make believing and trusting in God easier. (Check out the parable in Luke 16:19-31.)   As I have grown in my faith, and read in the Bible the historical accounts of people and their interactions with God, those who saw and even heard God/Jesus voice, I see this does not guarantee a transformed and faith-filled life. I am convinced that seeing doesn’t always mean understanding follows.   If these ideas resonate in truth, it seems like a negative. After all, isn’t seeing believing? And if those who personally experienced God aren’t always transformed, is there hope for us these days in our faith when signs and wonders aren’t as prevalent as they were in Bible times?   In answer to these questions that exist in my soul, I put myself in the place of biblical figures. Did God really say what I think he said? Was that truly a miracle? It could have been a trick. What if I saw this event incorrectly? Maybe my eyes deceive me. I thought God said this, but maybe I misunderstood. I hope you get the idea here.  

Being a personal witness to the things people saw and experienced in the Bible does not guarantee an unwavering commitment to God. Just like us, “(they had to) live by faith.” (Romans 1:17)