May the Evidence Grow

My friend Rev. Peyton Hopkins was one of the pastor at Community Presbyterian Church church. Sometime back, he shared with me that one of the families in his church had been audited by the IRS three times in the last several years due to their generous giving. Apparently one of the red flags they look for is extraordinarily high charitable giving. If this number is higher than they think normal, they may take a second look.

This reminded Peyton of an age old question, “If you were on trial for your faith, would there be enough evidence to convict you?”

I hope there would be an abundance of evidence in your case – evidence of your generosity, compassion, love and forgiveness. I hope that you are leaving a clear trail of deep faith – not because you can earn God’s favor in any way. You can’t. I want that for you because that way of life goes hand in hand with a deep sense of peace and an underlying joy that the circumstances of this world cannot shake.

I pray today that the evidence for your faith would grow. May it shine brightly simply by the way that you live.

Let us pray: Loving God, we all face moments of doubts and darkness and despair. There are times when our faith seems small in the face of the injustice and heartache of the world. I pray today especially for the people who are going through difficult times, those who face anxiety or fears, and for those weighted down with burdens. I pray that today you would refresh us with your Spirit. Prompt us again and again to acts of kindness and mercy. Move us beyond ourselves, that we could once again catch a glimpse of your peace, your joy and your love. We ask in Jesus name. Amen.