Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” And Joseph made the Israelites swear an oath and said, “God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up from this place.” – Genesis 50:24-25
A google search on the word faith brings up two dictionary definitions. First is “complete trust or confidence in someone or something.” Second is “strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof.” This fascinated me. At a glance I can see how they are connected, our complete and total trust in God would lead to a trust that would not require proof, but is that true?
It’s odd that, even to this day, I can become confused with the concept of faith. It feels at times I totally understand it while at other times the concept starts to elude me. I’ve read in Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Would this indicate I should believe without proof? Would it indicate to “not see” equate to “no proof”? I don’t think so. In the case of Joseph he states God will come to their aid, something not seen yet, but he is basing it on a history of trust in God.
But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. – Genesis 50:19-20
So the question, what is my faith built on? I trust God each day for those things I don’t see, but is it based on proof? It surely is. That proof is also the reason to count blessing. I could not imagine having faith without proof of a living God working in my life. I’m sure there would be less overflow of God’s presence in my life if I was not experiencing and recognizing His work in me daily. That proof continues to build up more faith as it reminds me of my relationship I have with my Abba Father.
God has proven to me uncountable times that He is real, present, interested in me, and that He watches my coming and going (see Ps 121). My family and I have experienced miraculous healings, years of financial miracles, God’s peace in times of trouble, and comfort in dark hours of loneliness and sorrow. We’ve experienced overwhelming joy on the mountain peaks and watched loved ones grow in their relationship with our God. Who else would I trust?
Our God is personal, He wants to have a personal and real relationship with his children (see Luke 15). While some may be content with a faith without proof, my Father knows me and is gracious to continually provide proof He is here.
– Jeff Gilbert