choosing to believe

In the midst of tough situations, faith is choosing to believe something that you do not necessarily feel. I like what the Bible says about faith; “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
I have never seen a heart beat or a brain at work, but I know that they keep me alive and functioning every day. I cannot see the wind, but I see its effects. I have never seen Mars with my own two eyes but I believe it is there. In the same way I choose to believe that God is good in the midst of trials. I choose to believe that God is not a cynical god out to make me unhappy, but is really seeking and pursuing what is best for Liz and me. I choose to believe that God is still in control, that He is not wringing His hands in heaven when things don’t go as expected.
If I could prove this outside of faith, it would not be faith at all. It would be easy. God tends to strengthen people with pressure, like refining by fire… like iron sharpening iron. I often wish that God would sprinkle patience and perseverance from heaven like a soft rain. Rather, it most often comes in the form of a storm or hurricane. It is sometimes painful, but always good for us.
I love the way that C.S. Lewis put it at the end of The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe when he was speaking of Aslan (God); “He’s not a tame lion, but He’s good.”