When We Don’t Know Who to Believe
Daily, we hear conflicting news from the media, from those in authority, as well as from family and friends. It’s unsettling when we don’t know who to believe. That fear displays itself in various forms from tight-lipped agitation to fist-pounding anger, or just downright, gut-wrenching angst.
While some messengers have hidden agendas, others are sincerely well-meaning. But, we’re not even sure if the well-meaning folks know all the facts. Is there anyone who really knows the truth?
Satan relishes this type of confusion. He knows it can cause pandemonium among the unbelievers, and much to his delight, division among the believers.
Remember his crafty question to Eve in the Garden of Eden? “Did God really say…?”
Satan knows one smoldering doubt can spark another.
Check the Smoke Detector
Have you ever heard the piercing chirps of a smoke detector when its batteries run low? We try to turn the incessant noise off but the only thing that will silence it is replacing or recharging the battery.
Without fail, we never have the right size battery on hand! We take down the smoke detector, remove the dead battery, and place the detector aside until we remember to buy a new battery.
I’m embarrassed to say how long one room in our house went without a smoke detector. Replacing the battery kept moving down my mental list of things to do until it was simply forgotten.
It wasn’t until one weekend when I was “childproofing” everything in the house for a grandbaby’s visit, that I remembered the smoke detector. Recognizing the danger of something unexpected, I put the battery at the top of my priority list. I took the time to get things safely back in order.
World and life events can be like this. They can suddenly take an unexpected turn.
Do we have our priorities in order? Are we as prepared as possible?
Our relationship with Christ, through Bible study, prayer, and worship is similar to the strength of that smoke detector’s battery. Perhaps we sensed the Holy Spirit persistently calling us back to God’s Word to refresh our souls, to strengthen and to equip us.
Yet we placed the importance of other things above our time with God. Thus, we grew weak.
Then, when troubles flared, we became confused. We thought we had enough knowledge and skills to handle things on our own. But, there was so much smoke! Some people yelled to us to go left, while others yelled to go right. We didn’t know who to believe. Petrified of making the wrong move, we choked.
Who to Believe
We may never know the full truth about the pandemic, about government officials, or even about the conflicting sagas among friends and relatives.
The one truth we can trust is God’s Word. It has never failed. Ever.
God has never misrepresented Himself. Time after time He has proven He is who He says he is.
The creator of everything does not need anything from us. Yet, He loves us more than we can imagine! So much so, that at times He allows us to go through difficulties in order for us to realize our need for Him. Without Him, we are lost and without hope.
In order to be fully charged and ready to see our way clearly through Satan’s next smokescreen, we must continually draw from the purity of God’s Word.
Even when it’s difficult to discern who’s telling the truth in this world, we can believe and act on God’s truth.
We must continue to remind one another that God is the creator of the universe, all-knowing, all-powerful and nothing happens without His consent. We know Who to believe!
Furthermore, when trouble comes, and it will, we must pray and ask God for His wisdom and guidance on how we should respond.
Fanning the Flames
How are we responding?
As Christians, are we urging those who are lost in the confusion of this world, toward the refreshing truth of Jesus Christ? The One who holds the breath of eternal life?
Or, do our words and actions fan the flames of fear?
We need to guard against sharing unconfirmed “facts,” posing rumors as prayer requests, or using subtle bullying tactics to persuade people.
Be careful what you “like” and repost on social media. Just because it sounds good, doesn’t mean it is. Research carefully before sharing information. Where did the information originate? Locate the source yourself. Don’t take someone’s word for it. Is the information accurate? Is it helpful? Does it align with God’s Holy Word?
If the information comes from an organization, research it and its affiliates thoroughly. What does this organization stand for? What does it oppose? How does it treat those who have differing opinions and beliefs?
Regardless of our political or religious affiliation, our economic status, our race, or our opinion on whatever the current crisis is—we are to be a pleasing “aroma of life leading to life” 2 Cor. 2:16(NKJV).
When someone asks us who or what we believe, we may feel led to respectfully engage in a conversation. Let’s pray for God to help us, when we speak, and when we act, to exhibit the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. If God provides the opportunity for us to share our testimony, let us listen well, acknowledge the contradictions of the world, and lovingly share about Who we trust for absolute truth.
“For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord . . . Rather join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time . . .”
2 Timothy 6-9 (NIV)
Many conflicts will arise in this world. May the Lord guard our hearts, minds, and mouths as He continually reminds us of Who we can trust completely.
