My friend is a Ph.D. pharmacist and we were engaged in a lively but nerdy discussion about common medications. The discussion soon turned to the topic of acetaminophen. He blurted, “Oh we have a good idea, selectively inhibiting COX-2 receptors, but really, we don’t know why it works!”
I nodded. I remember learning this in medical school, over thirty-five years ago, but I thought that surely by now the precise mechanism must be known, especially for such a commonly used over the counter medication. Millions of people around the world take it and can readily attest to its efficacy. Yet, the true mechanism is still unknown. While patients and the medical profession know the indications and potential side effects, it is with some element of faith that they accept the treatment because they see the results in their own lives and others.
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)
Acetaminophen is a small example of how we may place our faith into things even if we do not completely understand how or why it works, only reassured that it can improve the quality of our lives, perhaps even save it. What about deeper issues? What about if we place our faith in God? We may not completely understand how God is able to forgive our sins and grant us salvation. Yet, we can see the results in the lives of countless others. Could it work for me? For years, I doubted it could. Unless I could logically and analytically understand how God could transform a life, I was unwilling to accept His offer for eternal life. Yet, I could not deny that God could change lives for the better. Was I willing to make a life-changing decision even when I did not completely understand how He did it?
After nearly a year of searching, researching the Bible and speaking to dozens of people, I began to understand how God’s Son, Jesus Christ, was sent to earth to live a sinless life. He was tortured and crucified by His enemies, dying on the Cross. Yet three days later, God raised Him from the dead, proving that even death had no power over Him. By doing so, He gave me and everyone who has ever lived, the precise mechanism to gain eternal life and salvation. After such a long period of searching, God definitively answered my prayers. I could confidently proclaim that I do know why God works.
Praise be to God for His grace and mercy for all who confess and repent of their sins and accept Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior.
Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.
The Bereans Blog 