Sometimes we confuse the facts with the truth and we start to believe the wrong thing. A fact is simply a subset or fraction of what the truth is. They’re like a piece of the puzzle, but they don’t show the whole picture. They can tell us what’s going on in that moment of our life, but the truth is that a momentary situation in our life doesn’t define who we are. This is important because our enemy uses facts against us like a lawyer to destroy our faith and trust in what God is doing, or going to do, in our lives. He uses facts to distract us and to try to disqualify us from God’s promises. He tried to use facts against Jesus while tempting Him, but each time Jesus countered with the truth of God’s Word.
In Genesis 15, the fact is that Abram and Sarai were barren and couldn’t have children. The truth was that God had already promised Abram that he would be the father of many nations. The facts were that they were too old to conceive, but the truth was that God was still moving on their behalf. Even Abram had trouble believing the truth. In verse 2 he prayed, “But Abram replied, “O Sovereign Lord, what good are all your blessings when I don’t even have a son? Since you’ve given me no children, Eliezer of Damascus, a servant in my household, will inherit all my wealth” (NLT). Then God reaffirmed the truth that he would have a son and many descendants. Verse 6 tells us that Abram believed the Lord and it was counted as righteousness because he trusted the truth over facts.
In John 8:31 Jesus said, “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” What facts have you been believing over God’s truth? Facts have a way of binding us up and preventing us from being free. Today, I want you to start believing and trusting in God’s truth instead of the facts your current situation is telling you. If God has promised it, no facts can ever stop it. Be free from their grip on you today. Say out loud that you believe God’s truth. Repeat out loud what God’s promise is to you. Quit quoting facts and start confessing God’s truth. We must be like Abram where we believe despite what our current situation is telling us. God counts that kind of faith as righteousness. When we do, He blesses us and sets us free.
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
Devotions by Chris Hendrix 
Thank you Chris, this brings to mind our Lord’s words to Jairus: “Do not be afraid any longer; only believe, and she will be made well.” (Luke 8:50). The circumstances said one thing, but our Lord had His own plan!
Yes! Great example. The fervent prayer of a righteous person avails much. We must keep believing and praying while trusting God’s Word.
2 + 2 doesn’t always equal 4 in the Kingdom of God. Your post is a great reminder of this, Chris. The facts don’t always point to the “truth.” As Henry Blackaby says, “When the storm threatened to sink the disciples boat, “truth” was asleep in the back of it.”
Great point! The facts for Abram were pointing away from truth. The older he got, the more the facts said he and Sarai couldn’t have kids.
So rich, bro!
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Thank you! Trust the truth.
Great reminder, Chris, to keep praying for the promises that God has given you ( prodigal children, wayward family members, job, healing, etc.). The “facts” may say one thing, but the “Truth” says another! “So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 ESV Love you, Chris!!!
Great verse to add on to this! I kept thinking of all those examples but didn’t have room to add them the way I wanted. Keep trust God’s promise to you and Ray Ann.
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