I vividly recall the profound impact of the Bible lessons I learned in Vietnam and the soul-stirring experience of singing in the church choir in the United States. These transformative moments have inspired me, especially during the most challenging times.

I firmly believe that “everything happens for a reason,” as eloquently expressed by Eric Butterworth in his teaching, “Don’t just go through life, grow through life.” The loss of my faith in God after my husband’s passing in August 2016 led me to question why such tragedy struck our lives. However, my journey into mindfulness and exploring Buddhism allowed me to merge my faith in Jesus and Buddha, drawing wisdom from Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh’s profound teachings in the “Living Buddha, Living Christ” book.

Today, I reflect on the awe-inspiring miracles from biblical stories, such as God turning water into wine and guiding His people across the ocean. These accounts powerfully remind me of God’s boundless ability to create miracles, defying all odds.

The Bible recounts various miracles performed by Jesus, including turning water into wine and walking on water:

– Turning water into wine: This remarkable miracle, recounted in the Bible in John 2:1-12, symbolizes Jesus’ divine power to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. The water represents humanity and human nature, while the wine embodies Christ’s transformative influence.

– Walking on water: As described in the Bible in Matthew 14, the narrative of Jesus walking on water is a profound illustration of transcending the impossible. It signifies Jesus’ capacity to lead us beyond our perceived limitations and instills the courage to follow Him, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Jesus is also renowned for performing other extraordinary miracles, such as healing the sick and expelling demons.

The Nature of Faith: Trusting God without seeing demands a profound act of faith, urging us to relinquish our reliance on tangible evidence and embrace the unknown. Faith, as described in Hebrews 11:1, offers the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things unseen, providing solace amidst chaos and fostering hope in times of despair.

Personal Stories of Trust: Throughout history, countless individuals have encountered pivotal moments where trusting God without tangible evidence was their sole recourse. Consider Abraham’s unwavering faith, venturing into the unknown solely based on God’s promise, and the Israelites, guided through the wilderness by a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night, unwavering in their trust that God would lead them to the Promised Land. These narratives testify to God’s steadfast faithfulness, even when His presence may seem imperceptible. In my journey, the daunting prospect of moving to a new country and starting anew was met with unwavering trust in God’s plan, bolstered by the recollection of His promises and miracles. Each day presented new challenges, yet I steadfastly leaned into my faith, reminding myself that He was my steadfast companion every step of the way.

Finding Strength in Uncertainty: During tumultuous times, entrusting ourselves to God’s care can feel overwhelming, prompting us to question His plans or feel forsaken. It is crucial to remember that God’s wisdom surpasses our own, as stated in Isaiah 55:9. Embracing prayer and meditation fosters trust, inviting God’s peace into our hearts. Journaling our thoughts and emotions helps dispel doubts and reaffirm our faith while seeking solace in a supportive community of believers provides encouragement and inspiration as we navigate our journeys.

Trusting God in Daily Life: Trusting God without tangible evidence is not confined to monumental moments; it is a daily practice. Every decision and challenge presents an opportunity to place our trust in Him, relinquishing control and yielding to His guidance. We can draw strength from our faith rather than succumb to fear in adversity. Reflecting on past instances of God’s unwavering faithfulness and acknowledging even the smallest blessings nurtures our faith, reinforcing our trust in Him. I have learned to cherish even the smallest joys and kindness—a reassuring reminder of God’s omnipresence.

The Reward of Trust: Trusting God without seeing yields a profound sense of inner peace, fortitude, and a clear understanding of purpose. This trust opens us to divine possibilities we may not have envisioned. Trusting in God’s timing and ways, even when unseen, fosters growth and transformation.

Conclusion: Trusting God without seeing is a journey of unwavering faith, patience, and hope. It challenges us to relinquish our craving for certainty and embrace the divine enigma. We can cultivate a trust that transcends our comprehension by grounding ourselves in prayer, community support, and the narratives of faith. As we embrace this trust, we discover peace and purpose.

Serenity Huyen Nghiem Tinh – September 24, 2024