Out of Sight

For we live by believing and not by seeing. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NLT)

One of the biggest questions I get about God comes in this form, “I can’t see Him or feel Him. So, how do I know He is there and that He loves me?” It’s a fair question. Ever since we’re born, our senses are connected to the world around us. We see sights, we touch objects, we put crazy stuff in our mouths to taste them, we smell both pleasing and un-pleasing scents, and we hear lots of sounds. Our entire existence is about experiencing those around us through our five senses. So, if we’re built that way, but can only experience God with two to three of our senses, how can we know He truly is there?

I often times get called away from home for meetings or speaking engagements. This means I have to leave my family behind. This is the same family which I experience with all five senses. (Don’t even get me started about the smell factor!) Yet, when I’m away from them, the only way to connect is by phone. I can only hear them. Do I know they are there? Of course! I can hear their voice. Do I know they love me? Yup! Even if I can’t get a hug or kiss, I know that they still love me. So, how do I know these things? It’s simple. My knowledge, my experience, the truth, is based upon my relationship with them. I’ve known them. I’ve heard them speak. I’ve felt them in my life. I have experienced them.

It’s the same when it comes to Jesus. Though we can’t see Him (He’s up in Heaven), we can know Him. We can hear His voice. We can experience His touch. This is what the apostle Paul meant when he penned our verse for today, “For we live by believing and not by seeing.” That believing part isn’t just a statement we make. It’s a life we live. Do we experience God, even though we don’t see Him? Of course! We just need to lock into the ways we can experience Him.

Today, as you go, use your sight to see the amazing creation around you. Spend quiet time in prayer and listen for His voice. Taste the goodness in the food you eat – it is a blessing to even have food. Encourage others through touch: a hand on a shoulder, a hug, a handshake, etc. Breathe in the air He created to sustain life. Experience God. He’s all around you. Though He is out of sight, He is there.