“Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God.” Romans 4:20

There used to be this show on television called “Dragnet.” Do you remember it? It was the story of a dedicated Los Angeles police detective, Sergeant Joe Friday, and his partners. The show is considered by many to be the most famous and influential police procedural drama in American media history. Many are familiar with a line from Detective Joe Friday, whether they watched the show or not, that he used during the course of interviewing a suspect, “All we want are the facts, Ma’am.”

It is seems odd how sometimes “facts” keep you from “truth?” You might be scratching your head and wondering, “What is he talking about?” Let me try to explain.

Every week, I spend much of my time doing one of two things: one, removing “roadblocks” for my staff so that they can render the best in quality education and service to our students and families; and two, helping individuals and small groups resolve problems. Often, the problems are of an interpersonal nature. Problems always have multiple sides, and depending upon whom you talk with, problems are loaded with facts. Most times, especially when there is a high amount of emotion, the facts are relayed in a manner that most benefits a persons’ personal position. “He said….she said,” are only snippets of the stories that are told. Frequently, when a person is intent upon sharing a multitude of facts the reason is not to make sure truth is known, but to provide proof or justification for action (or lack thereof).

Sometimes facts can cloud or compromise faith. The Bible has many examples of times when people had the facts but missed the truth. Take for example Abraham and Sarah. Some of the facts were they were both very old (especially for starting a family), and up to this point in their lives they were unable to conceive a child. The truth of the matter was that God had a plan that went beyond the facts they could see and understand. Another example is that of Zacchaeus. The facts: excommunicated by the church because of his vocation (a cheat, considered a low-life, a sinner). The truth: Jesus saw someone who needed healing in his life. As a result, Zacchaeus receives salvation and then blesses the community and those from which he had stolen.

...Facts...Truth...Faith...

How do you view the facts in your life? How are you at seeing the truth in the midst of those facts? Are there facts holding you back, causing you to doubt the promises of God? What truth has become elusive because of the facts? I am sure if you could speak with Abraham, Sarah, or Zacchaeus they could tell you about the truth that was opened up for them despite the facts.

Thanks for reading!