I had an interesting conversation with my son last night.  We talked of the difference between 'fact' and 'truth'.  If you look these words up in the dictionary, they mean basically the same thing.  But for those who are in Christ Jesus, they become distinctly different.

We are surrounded by facts - situations and conditions which are reality according to what we know with our five senses.

The fact is that we are surrounded by friends, family, or aquaintances who are sick - some who have even been told they are dying.  The fact is that we know people who are hopelessly entangled in addictions and obsessions.  The fact is that all of us have been wounded in relationships - some to unimaginable proportions.

The fact is that we have all fallen into temptation and followed the lusts of our flesh.  The fact is that we are surrounded by wars, rumors of wars, poverty, and uncertainty.

The fact is that we can pick ourselves and our circumstances apart and find so many things to worry or complain about.  This is the reality in which we live.

And yet, in the midst of this stands "Truth".

Truth:  "...those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone.  A new life has begun!" (II Cor. 5:17)

Truth:  "He personally carried away our sins in His own body on the cross so we can be dead to sin and live for what is right.  You have been healed by His wounds!" (I Peter 2:24)

Truth:  "Unto you who revere and worshipfully fear My name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in His wings, and you shall go forth and gambol like calves released from the stall and leap for joy." (Malachi 4:2)

Truth:  "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have perfect peace and confidence.  In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer ... For I have overcome the world.  [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]" (John 16:33)

Truth:  "The Lord sustains all who fall, and raises up all who are bowed down." (Ps. 145:14)

Truth:  "Then shall my enemies turn back in the day that I cry out; this I know, for God is for me." (Ps. 56:9)

Truth:  "The Lord is near to those who are discouraged; He saves those who have lost all hope." (Ps. 34:18)

Truth:  "I sought the Lord and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears." (Ps. 34:4)

Jesus consistantly took the facts which were presented to Him and overcame them with the Truth of Who He is.  Dead men were raised.  Blind eyes were opened.  Demon-controlled people were given freedom.  A man walked on top of water.  Unlearned men spoke with the wisdom of God.  Adulterous women were given innocence.

"O send out Your light and Your truth, let them lead me; let them bring me to Your holy hill and to Your dwelling." (Ps. 43:3)

 

Amy