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It doesn’t change the fact that believers would be encouraged if the hand of God could be observed today. Instead there is one horror after another.

Even if someone were raised from the dead, people wouldn't believe.

People will believe if they are going to and nothing will convince them if they are not.

It's hard living in times where evil appears to be running so rampant and apparently unrestrained.

But that's where our faith kicks in. To know that God is in it and God is good, and that He can only always be good. TO know that the spiritual realities are still there when we're overwhelmed with the physical one.

He's keeping account and payday will come for those who seem to be getting away with something now.

A pastor once said something to the effect of *Do not judge God's long term character by your short term experiences*.

And yes, I agree we would be encouraged more if we saw more. I think though, that instead of looking at the biggies, we look for the little ways God reveals Himself to us, that show that He cares about the little things in our lives and He is still in control. I know that has helped me tremendously.

Good post, metmom. Lately I’ve been thinking about this from Romans:

“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (15:4)

And Hebrews sets up a stadium filled with a “great cloud of witnesses” to cheer us along as we race.

Scripture is revealed truth FROM GOD OUR FATHER AND THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. Not just another “book”. It’s gentle milk and strong meat for our faith!

Even if someone were raised from the dead, people wouldn't believe.

That is not quite accurate, but if they will not hear "Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead." (Luke 16:31). But for those who are seeking light, and respond to at least the light of the essence of Moses and the prophets, then as we seen in Scripture then supernatural attestation can be efficacious to that end.

Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. (John 14:11)

For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. (Romans 15:18-19)

As can the enduring overcoming faith of an afflicted saint, showing that God is not only the God of the mountain, but of the valley before the mountain as well, and in which is dare say the most important work is done.

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. (1 Peter 5:10)