Faith's most severe tests come not when we see nothing, but when we see a stunning array of evidence that seems to prove our faith vain.
Interpretation
Faith is challenged when faced with contradicting evidence that tests our beliefs.
This quote by Elisabeth Elliot expresses the idea that true faith is often tested not during times of doubt or despair, but rather when we are confronted with compelling evidence that contradicts our beliefs. It highlights the struggle of maintaining faith in the face of overwhelming proof that may suggest our beliefs are futile, suggesting that the essence of faith lies in persistently believing despite such challenges.
In practice
A pastor could use this quote during a sermon to inspire congregants facing difficulties in their beliefs.
We are not asked to SEE," said Amy. "Why need we when we KNOW?" We know--not the answer to the inevitable Why, but the incontestable fact that it is for the best. "It is an irreparable loss, but is it faith at all if it is 'hard to trust' when things are entirely bewildering?
Prayer lays hold of God's plan and becomes the link between His will and its accomplishment on earth. Amazing things happen, and we are given the privilege of being the channels of the Holy Spirit's prayer.
What sort of world might it have been if Eve had refused the servants offer and had said to him instead, “let me not be like God. Let me be what I was made to be - let me be a woman'?
Worship is not an experience. Worship is an act, and this takes discipline. We are to worship ''in spirit and in truth.'' Never mind about the feelings. We are to worship in spite of them.
Restlessness and impatience change nothing except our peace and joy. Peace does not dwell in outward things, but in the heart prepared to wait trustfully and quietly on Him who has all things safely in His hands.
If your goal is purity of heart, be prepared to be thought very odd.
I never realized what a great privilege it is to be able to use the voice for Christ until I was deprived of it.
Mi fe no descansa en lo que soy, o lo que seré, o como me siento, o lo que sé, sino en lo que Cristo és, en lo que él ha hecho, y en lo que él está haciendo en mí - My faith rests not in what I am, or shall be, or feel, or know, but in what Christ is, in what He has done, and in what He is now doing for me.
I grew up in a very religious family and it is the motivating force to every thing I do. I am fortunate to have had adults all around me who really lived their faith, in helping other people and doing the best you can do.
We can rest confident in the fact that nothing will happen to us in this world apart from the gracious will of a sovereign God. Nothing.
When you can't do nothing but pray-you've done a whole lot.
If people didn't know me and only knew my public persona, what I'd want them to know is everything that I do, I do for the Glory of Lord. Because of my Christian faith, that's who I am. I wasn't always that way, but I'm very proud that I am.
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