How Do We Know?

Often people ask – How do we know there is a God? How do we know if He is really involved in our lives today? There are some excellent examples in the Bible in the book of Ezra where the author wrote, “The hand of our God was on us” (7:28 / 8:18 / 8:22 / 8:31). I believe we still see His hand in our lives today.

One way we see God at work today is through answers to prayer. Ezra prayed that the King would allow the Jewish people to return home and the King granted his request (Ezra 7). I believe we have seen similar evidence of God working today. When our church sought permission to put up portable classrooms and expand our parking lot in the face of neighborhood opposition, we prayed and the city gave its approval.

Another way we still see God at work today is His protection. Ezra declined the King’s offer to provide an armed escort for their journey back to Israel. He believed God would protect them from robbers and enemies (Ezra 8). They arrived safely in Jerusalem without any loss of people or valuable possessions. I believe we experience God’s protection today in similar ways including potential injuries and illnesses.

A third way we see God at work is when He provides for our needs. Ezra was amazed by how the King and other leaders provided money and materials to help rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem (Ezra 6-7). My wife and I have seen many examples of how God has provided for our needs. One example was the time when an anonymous gift paid the remaining balance of the hospital bill when our son was born many years ago.

Another way we still see God at work is through changed people. He loves to transform people’s lives. God changed hearts of the Jewish exiles from fear to faith as they left the safety of Babylon and journeyed to uncertainty in Jerusalem (Ezra 8). God continues to transform people today. The life of Louis Zamperini is recorded in the book and movie – Unbroken. God changed him from a bitter, hardened POW and alcoholic to a forgiving, loving husband, father and pastor. I believe God is still transforming people today. Let me encourage you to read the book of Ezra in the Bible. See how God answered prayer, protected, provided and changed people’s lives. And watch for examples of how God is at work in your own life too. You will be glad you did!

You can read more stories and articles by Mark Hopper in his book Let Me Encourage You – 365 encouraging stories and articles – one for every day of the year. You can purchase a book for yourself or as a gift for a friend. The price is $25 and includes postage. Order your copy today at markh@efreedb.org.