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Trusting Beyond Evidence: Embracing a Relationship with Jesus

  • Writer: Bradley Sliedrecht
    Bradley Sliedrecht
  • Jan 12
  • 3 min read

Faith often gets misunderstood as a blind leap into the unknown. Many imagine it as closing their eyes and jumping into darkness without any proof or reason. Yet, biblical faith is quite different. It means opening your eyes to the evidence and choosing to step toward the light. The real question is not whether there is enough proof to believe but whether you are willing to surrender to what the evidence demands.


Imagine standing at the edge of a bridge. You can examine its structure, study its design, and understand the engineering behind it. But at some point, you must take the step and walk across. Faith in Jesus is similar. It is not about having all the answers but about trusting the One who is the answer.



Understanding Faith as Trust, Not Blind Belief


Many people confuse faith with blind belief, assuming it requires ignoring facts or evidence. However, biblical faith invites us to look carefully at the evidence and then choose to trust. This trust is not passive; it is an active decision to rely on Jesus despite uncertainties.


  • Faith involves seeing clearly and making a conscious choice.

  • It requires courage to step forward even when the path is not fully visible.

  • Trust grows as you experience the reliability of Jesus in your life.


This perspective changes how we approach faith. It becomes less about guessing or hoping and more about responding to what we know and have experienced.



Jesus Invites Us into a Relationship, Not a Religion


Jesus did not come to start a religion filled with rituals and rules. His mission was to reconcile people to God. He did not demand empty ceremonies but sought hearts willing to follow Him.


  • Jesus called people to relationship, not performance.

  • He showed compassion by walking with the poor, touching the untouchable, and comforting the broken.

  • His invitation is simple: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, NIV).


This invitation highlights the paradox of Jesus: He is infinitely holy yet approachable; He is King of Kings yet intimately involved in our lives. The focus is on connection, not compliance.



Eye-level view of a sturdy wooden bridge stretching across a calm river


The Role of Evidence in Faith


Faith does not ignore evidence; it embraces it. The Bible encourages believers to seek understanding and wisdom. The evidence for Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection is supported by historical documents, eyewitness accounts, and fulfilled prophecies.


  • Archaeological findings support biblical narratives.

  • Historical records outside the Bible confirm Jesus’ existence.

  • The transformation in the lives of believers provides practical evidence of His power.


Trusting Jesus means weighing this evidence and deciding to follow Him. It is not about having every question answered but about trusting the One who can answer all questions.



Practical Steps to Build Trust in Jesus


Building trust in Jesus is like building any relationship. It takes time, experience, and intentional effort.


  1. Explore the evidence

    Read the Gospels and learn about Jesus’ life and teachings. Consider historical and archaeological findings that support the biblical account.


  2. Pray and reflect

    Talk to Jesus honestly about your doubts and questions. Prayer is a way to open your heart and invite His presence.


  3. Connect with a community

    Join a group of believers who can support your journey and share their experiences of faith.


  4. Live out your trust

    Take small steps of obedience and watch how your trust grows as you experience His faithfulness.



Why Trust Matters More Than Proof


Proof can inform the mind, but trust engages the heart. You can have all the facts and still hesitate to believe. Trust means surrendering control and relying on Jesus even when you don’t understand everything.


  • Trust allows you to experience peace amid uncertainty.

  • It opens the door to transformation and healing.

  • Trust leads to a dynamic, living relationship rather than a static set of beliefs.


Faith in Jesus is not about intellectual certainty but about relational confidence.



Embracing the Invitation


Jesus’ invitation is open to everyone. It does not require perfection or complete understanding. It asks for a willing heart ready to step forward.


  • You don’t have to have all the answers to begin.

  • You can start by simply saying yes to His invitation.

  • Trust grows as you walk with Him day by day.


This relationship offers rest, hope, and purpose beyond what evidence alone can provide.



 
 
 

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life and hope street

Life and Hope 

Our ministry is based in Saskatoon and has a global vision of spreading the gospel. We care for the homeless and reach out to the unsaved, starting from in our own neighbourhoods. We partner with churches and ministries around the world to train them in Evangelism, and Christian Living and to help them reach out to their communities and beyond. Our aim is to make disciples of Jesus who will make more disciples.
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