"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,
the evidence of things not seen."
Hebrews 11:1
A college student was sharing his faith with another student. He shared a book with him on the evidence from Scripture and history concerning the resurrection of Jesus Christ. His friend did read the book. Later, he said, " I read your book. It was interesting, but I just cannot believe that. I would need scientific evidence to believe."
The Christian student was so disappointed that his friend would not believe. He shared his concern with his pastor. The pastor said to him, " I'm so glad that you are concerned about your friend. That's good, but remember faith is more than a conclusion from evidence. Faith is the evidence." The pastor went on to explain that saving faith is a gift of the Spirit of God, one of three abiding gifts (1 Cor. 13:13). He assured the student that all he could do was share the good news about Christ and pray for his friend. The pastor assured him that only the Holy Spirit could convict the friend of his unbelief (John 16:7-11), and bring him to faith in Christ.
Saving faith, the abiding gift of the Holy Spirit, is the evidence that God is working in our hearts. We may witness to others about Christ, and we should, but the Holy Spirit is the Witness. Bill Bright, the founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, wrote that successful witnessing is "sharing the gospel of Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit, and leaving the results to God." We must do our part, but we cannot do the Holy Spirit's part.
Do you have a friend who is not a believer in Christ? Share your testimony of faith. Share the witness of Scripture to Christ and gospel literature. Pray that the Holy Spirit will convince the person concerning Christ. Having done your part, leave the results to God. Only the Holy Spirit can give the evidence of faith.
Father, thank You for the gift of abiding faith.
