Is there a distinction…or gap between FAITH and KNOWLEDGE?  Is there a disparity between BELIEF and really KNOWING something is true?

Our view is this: FAITH plus EXPERIENCE equals KNOWLEDGE

FAITH as defined by the dictionary is:

…. belief in, devotion to, or trust in somebody or something, especially without logical proof

KNOWLEDGE as defined by the dictionary is:

…. clear awareness or explicit information, e.g. of a situation or fact. Familiarity or understanding gained through experience or study

Irene is experiencing relief from the nausea over the last week or so.  Yay God!!

We believe it’s some combination of the following:

• Use of the Cimino Fistula for dialysis rather than the Tesio catheter
• A new nausea prescription
• Dialysis in the afternoon rather than in the morning; it appears to provide Irene with a better rhythm
• Better overall medication management

The nausea lingers but is not as intense …. and we hope this trend continues.

We believe this recent development is an answer for many of you who prayerfully intercede on Irene’s behalf.  Thank you!!!  Facing 24/7 nausea for more than 18 months has been no easy challenge to face.

It is one thing to have faith…to believe …. and quite another to KNOW with absolute certainty that something is true …. and we believe EXPERIENCE bridges the gap between believing and knowing.

Why do we believe this to be true ….?

We have been followers of Christ for many years.  Prior to the Amyloid journey we BELIEVED the Word of God …. and had FAITH that it was true.  We saw and experienced God at work in ours and many other’s lives.  However, after experiencing the unruly Amyloid journey for approximately 21 months …. we KNOW with greater certainty the reality of those tenets and truths.  Our faith has been notably tested …. and we have found God’s Word to be reliable and bona fide …. even in the midst of dire circumstances.

What is the bona fide reality of this EXPERIENCE?

• As we daily read the Word of God it figuratively leaps off the page expressing itself with deeper penetration, connotation and implication
• The Holy Spirit’s still small voice speaks to us with compelling conviction, corroborating the Word in profound ways
• Our prayer life has greater profundity and acumen
• Even when our emotional pendulum swings as far as the east is from the west …. and at times it does, we still sense His ever abiding Peace and Presence in our midst
• People in many spectacular ways, shapes and forms, have surrounded, encouraged, pragmatically reached out, emotionally and spiritually touched us
• God has unleashed His abounding, infinite resources supporting and sustaining us on this journey as we see His provision day by day
• Our remaining days and life purpose have an extreme, laser beam focus; we are learning Lordship at unfathomable levels; we exist for an audience of One

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Romans 12:1-2

On countless occasions we’ve been asked if “God is real” on this colossal journey.  I think what people are really asking is this: is there evidence of God’s presence in the midst of the chaos and challenges of the journey?

Without qualification the answer is YES!

How can this be so ….?

The most direct manifestation of His Presence is this: the answered prayer of soooooooooo many.  Irene is alive …. against hideous odds and repugnant calamity.  God continues to mercifully sustain her on this titanic journey.  She is a living, breathing miracle. Her poise, peace and joy every step of this journey can’t be understated or denied …. and I observe her every, single day.  Her demeanor is irrefutable evidence of God’s Holy Spirit indwelling her.  Don’t just believe me …. ask anyone on the medical team at UCSF who is intimately familiar with her journey.  They refer to Irene as one of the UCSF miracles.

However, we’re not in denial.  Irene knows what she is confronting; it’s the victorious manner in which she chooses to face the reality of this ruthless journey which is inspiring …. and is far from being over.  As we fully vet the kidney transplant option we realize that many potential obstacles lie in waiting …. and in many ways the last 21 months have been a rugged and brutal trek.

We also acknowledge this: that all of us are terminal.  Some of us have been diagnosed and some haven’t.  Some who are reading this update may or may not be with us tomorrow.  Some of us are in denial …. convinced that we’re going to live in this fallen world …. forever.

The reality we contend is the promise from God Himself that we, as followers of Christ, will live forever; laying aside these tents we call bodies …. for our true spirit, now camouflaged within a physical body, will dwell in eternity with our Creator.

Now FAITH is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1

“KNOWLEDGE of the Holy One is understanding.
Proverbs 9:10b

Is there a distinction …. or gap between FAITH and KNOWLEDGE?  Is there a disparity between BELIEF and really KNOWING something is true?

Our view and testimony is this: FAITH plus EXPERIENCE equals KNOWLEDGE …. because our experience and understanding enlightens us …. that what we thought and hoped to be true …. really is.

Caminando con Fé

Dave