John 20:25 – They told [Thomas], "We have seen the Lord!" But he replied, "I won't believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side." (NLT)

The evidence was overwhelming. We followed something that we feared.

Panthertown Valley is just outside Cashiers, North Carolina, USA. Those who are looking for a directional sign will be disappointed. But my brother and I had directions. Numerous trails run through more than 10,000 acres of protected land, and we planned to hike one of them.

As we made our way along the trail, we noticed scat. Since it was filled with berries, we knew what kind of animal had left it. Though we enjoyed the scenery, our eyes roamed our surroundings. Every noise caused our hearts to race and our eyes to dance. When we reached the end of the trail, a tree with claw marks greeted us: a bear scratching post. We never saw Smokey, but the evidence convinced us that he was near.

Thomas wasn't convinced by the evidence. Jesus had been resurrected from the grave. Women saw him, as did some of the other disciples, but eyewitness reports weren't enough for Thomas. He wanted to see the marks. So, Jesus showed him. Then, Thomas felt ashamed that he'd asked.

The evidence for God's existence seems overwhelming to me — but not all agree. When I look at nature and how natural laws operate according to an unseen plan, I wonder how anyone could doubt — or even deny — the existence of a higher being. Theologians disagree over the methods that God used to create. Did He initiate a big bang or perhaps use evolution as His process? Or was everything a fiat act of creation out of nothing?

Jesus showed Thomas the evidence that he had asked for and listened as Thomas shamefully confessed Him as Lord and Saviour. He should have believed without the evidence. God won't appear to me and say, "Yes, I exist, and I created," but He has given me enough evidence to know that He does and did.

The evidence at Panthertown Valley convinced me and my brother that a bear was in the area — whether we physically saw him with our eyes or not. The universe — along with a still small voice that speaks to my spirit — convinces me that God exists, loves me, and wants to be included in my life. What I do with the evidence is up to me.

Evidence for God's existence is overwhelming. Believe that He exists, and invite Him into your life.

Prayer: Father, we acknowledge You as the Creator and Governor of our universe and our lives. Amen.

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About the author:

Martin Wiles <mandmwiles@gmail.com>
Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
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