“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15 ESV).
The Sabbath School lesson this week asked, “What are all the reasons you can think of for your belief in Jesus and His death for us?” No one has ever asked me point blank why I believe. However, they have shared their own doubts. Our testimonies about Jesus could be just what someone “on the fence” needs to hear before giving their life to Christ. I grew up in Christianity. I’ve always believed in God although I have not always travelled the path closest to Him. Even in the times I’ve strayed or felt far away from Him, He has always been faithful. He has always heard me.
Lately I’ve been amazed at what is happening in my life, events that are beyond coincidence. I also wonder why these things happen now or are postponed when that seems like the worst option. The key word is “seems.” The Lord has prevented us from ending up in a bad situation although, at the time, we thought it would be a blessing. God sees the end from the beginning but it is hard for me to let go and trust in Him only, instead of what I think I know.
Some people believe in God because of fulfilled Bible prophecy and confirmed historical accounts. While those are also compelling arguments to me, I tend to lean more heavily on other evidence and experience. All I have to do is to look at my own body or a little bird or even a leaf to know that there is a Creator. I cannot manage trying to have enough faith to believe that everything in the universe just happened by unexplained chance.
For me answered prayer is also important evidence that not only do we have a Creator but we have a God who is intimately involved in my personal life. He’s not just some no name God that made us and left us to deal with everything on our own. No, He loves us more than we could ever love Him or each other.
And probably the reason with the least amount of empirical evidence is that I need to have hope in order to survive in this world. No other God that I can think of has offered salvation to me as a complete gift. There is nothing we can do to earn salvation. Giving our lives to Him is evidence of our acceptance of His gift and also answers the question, what is the meaning of life: “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13 ESV).
Jesus gives my life meaning, and I believe in Him because of hope, answered prayer, creation, history, and fulfilled prophecy. Why do you believe?