That’s the number of humans throughout history who have believed in God. How can that be, when there is so much pain and struggle? How can that be, if God is perfectly good?

Faith.

Leo Tolstoy was just one of countless people who had a hard time with the concept of evil. Philosophers as well try to find meaning in life. Tolstoy was driven to the brink of despair; thought of ending his life. Then he realized that everyone has the same thoughts at one time or another. How do they endure?

Faith.

We believe and confess in God’s existence, His goodness, His power, and His wisdom. And yet evil exists.

So how do we navigate the tension? Hebrews 11:1 – “now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen”. Our assurances rest in the promises in Holy Scripture. Jesus is God’s Word, and everything that he spoke was truth. How could it have been otherwise? “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” “In my Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you, so that where I am you will be also?” So many countless others.

I don’t think any of us are willing to stake our lives on something that isn’t that. Or Him.  Ninety percent of prior humanity has made it through this worldly toil, many suffering through far worse than us. It shouldn’t take much to convince us that God’s love is endless, boundless, and unconditional.

Pastor Art