“When it comes to faith, we rely far too much on circumstantial evidence.”

A thought by Mark Batterson, (2015-10-06) from his book, If: Trading Your If Only Regrets for God's What If Possibilities (Kindle Location 1944). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

The things around us can determine what faith we have. But what if our faith determines our circumstances. Wouldn’t that be better?

Mark says, “Doubt is letting our circumstances dictate how we feel, what we believe. When we let our circumstances get between us and God, it creates a smoke screen of doubt. Faith is relying on the direct evidence of Scripture.”

He continues, “Faith is putting the promises of God between you and your circumstances. It doesn’t mean you deny reality. It simply means you’re in touch with a greater reality— a reality that is far more real than the reality you can touch or taste or see or hear or smell.”

He then says, “Jesus was a realist. He said, ‘In this world you will have trouble.’ But He was also an eternal optimist: ‘Take heart! I have overcome the world.’”

Please remember as Mark says, “Our optimism is anchored to the empty tomb. If Jesus walked out of the tomb, all bets are off. It’s the ultimate what if. We just need to live as if it’s true! When Jesus broke the seal on the tomb, it sealed our victory.”

Yes, your circumstances may be really tough. You and I will have trouble. Jesus had real troubles but he told us to “Take heart! I have overcome the world.” He walked out of that tomb.

Margaret and I had some tough circumstances in this past month and as I really focused on the fact that Margaret’s cancer may have come back I became very discouraged. But I decided to take my discouragement to reading in a more concentrated focus on the life of Jesus. As I am reading through the gospels I am highlighting how Jesus took care of the difficulties he had and those that people brought to him. The focus has strengthened my faith. By the way it looks like Margaret’s cancer hasn’t returned.

So my question to you today is are you focused on your circumstances or are you spending time in his Word?

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