Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1 (NLT)
Evidence: it’s what detectives search for at crime scenes and it’s what every court case hinges on. It is powerful!
If there’s been a homicide, detectives must gather evidence to solve the case. This evidence is critical; they must determine a timeline, suspect and motive. They investigate data from the crime scene, interview eyewitnesses and check alibis. All of this evidence must corroborate and point to a truth.
Now, since we also gather evidence in our daily lives, we need to be aware of the evidence-gathering process that happens in our mind. For example, if you’re new to a church (or even if you’re not!), you’re continually making decisions based on your interpretation of what you experience. You’ll ask yourself things like, “Do I fit in here? Is this for me? Is this where God wants me?” Your evidence gathering may include someone not waving to you or not landing a great parking spot. Consequently, how you live your life is determined by the decisions you make as a result of how you interpret the evidence.
Not all evidence we gather is accurate. So, where do we go for evidence we can trust? God’s Word. (See Romans 3:4.) There, you can gather the evidence of who you are in Christ. You are loved and forgiven, born of God, righteous before Him and qualified for all of His promises because of Jesus.
As you gather evidence of the truth in God’s Word, it plants itself in your heart as a seed, and then grows roots in His truths. This evidence develops into faith you can stand on. That’s good detective work!