#BoldBeliefDevotional by Paul Natekin
Key Bible Verse:
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” — Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
Ever felt like your faith in God is questioned because it can’t be proven through science? It’s common to think that only things we can see and measure are real. But what about the deeper truths of life, like love and loyalty? Let’s dive into how our faith can extend beyond what’s empirically observable.
Apologetic Insight:
(from Greek ἀπολογία, ‘speaking in defense’) Defending and explaining faith with reason and evidence.
C.S. Lewis once said, “You can’t see the wind, but you can see the leaves it moves.” Similarly, while God’s existence can’t be empirically measured, His impact is evident in the world around us. Philosophers like J. Budziszewski remind us that many aspects of life, such as beauty and love, are real yet intangible. Atheists who limit their worldview to empirical evidence miss out on these deeper realities. As Greg Koukl points out, the statement “I only believe in what can be observed empirically” is self-refuting because it cannot itself be empirically proven. Hebrews 11:1 reassures us that faith is about confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see, suggesting that our understanding of reality should extend beyond what science alone can measure.
Encouragement & Application:
Remember, it’s okay to question and explore your faith. Doubts can lead to deeper understanding. Take time to appreciate the beauty in creation, reflect on the love in your life, and engage with others who share your faith journey. These experiences can strengthen your belief in God’s presence, even when empirical proof seems elusive.
Reflection Questions:
- How have you experienced God’s presence in ways that go beyond empirical observation?
- What steps can you take to appreciate the intangible aspects of life that point to God’s reality?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for revealing Yourself through Your creation and the intangible aspects of life. Help us to see beyond what’s measurable and trust in Your eternal power and divine nature. Guide us as we navigate our doubts and strengthen our faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.