How to Prove God

On Thursday, February 19 I found myself sitting between two fifth graders trying to help them get caught up with some homework. I was at USA Middle School with my alternative education guys from the high school, and we were helping out. I was working with them on some math, when one of the the fifth grade students asked me where I was from. I told him I lived in Bay City, but on Thursdays I came up to Sebewaing to visit with friends and help where I could. I explained that I had been helping with these high school guys all year, and since they were now working in the middle school that is where I was as well.

He then asked me where I worked. I told him that I worked at a church. He then asked me a curious question. This fifth grade boy said, "Does that mean you believe in God?" I assured him I did, and his response was "I don't believe in God because there is no way to prove that God exists." I simply told him that I thought you could prove God existed, and our conversation came to an end because our time was up.

Since that time I have been considering the things this young man said. How sad is it that this young man had never seen proof that God exists. Acts 1:8 tells us; (Jesus speaking) "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the uttermost parts of the world." You see if we as Christians are living out the love that God first showed us through His Son Jesus to others, they should be seeing God in us. That is what Jesus meant when he said "you will be my witnesses". A witness should be the one who brings the proof.

This encounter reminded me of another one that I had had earlier in the week when someone was sharing with me about not being able to witness very effectively to another person. I asked them "Did you share a moment from your life when you knew that God was right there making a difference?" They said they had not, and I encouraged them to be ready to do that the next time they had an encounter with that person.

I believe that it is critical to our witness that we know our testimony well enough that we can share with someone a moment when our life was invaded by God. That is what people want to hear. Even more importantly, that is what they want to see. St. Francis of Assisi once said "Preach the gospel daily, and when necessary use words." As Disciples of Jesus we should be the proof the world needs for the existence of the Father.

Concerns:
My friend Joe who has been sick and unable to meet the last couple of weeks
Leadership to come forward
Unity for the LEAD Team

Praises:
People's continued interest in what God is doing through the LEAD Team
A wonderful time of prayer and support last week in one of my group meetings
The doors that God continues to open