It is interesting to consider how many biblical truths are twisted backwards like the title of our devotional today. In this world people wish to see and then believe. In John 6:30 we read of a crowd of people who wanted Jesus to perform some great miracle in order for them to then believe in Him. They said, “What miraculous sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you?” (NIV)

The world today is still asking God to do something that cannot be explained and then they will trust in Him. Even some evangelical Christians want signs and wonders to confirm their faith. Many have sought what God has not promised because of weak faith or possibly a desire for entertainment. Whatever the reason for this craving, Jesus has rebuked it.

In Matthew 12:39 Jesus said, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign! But none will be given it except for the sign of the prophet Jonah.” By this Jesus drew attention to the miracle that would occur three days after He was crucified. The resurrection of our Lord is the great sign of His identity and power to save sinners (Romans 1:4).

As we read on in John 6:69 we come to the correct order of events in the life of a Christian. The words of Peter are, “We have come to believe and still do believe and we learned and still know that you are the Holy One of God”. Peter is most emphatic in what he says about Jesus. He said they believed first and the knowledge then followed.

As with the disciples, we too must have faith in order to come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ. We are not to tell Jesus He must perform some miracle and then we will believe. We must believe in order to see and understand Who Jesus is and what He has done.

In Hebrews 11:6 we read, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (NIV). Our faith must rise above the need for the miraculous.

If you are struggling with your faith because of some tragedy in your life, then read again the Gospels where they talk near the end of each Gospel about the resurrection appearances of Jesus. Pray to God to impress on your heart the reality of this stupendous miracle. Then be in awe of the One Who came to seek and save that which was lost.

Finally, read Ephesians chapter 1 and make special note of vss. 19-20 where Paul says that he is praying that the readers might know the exceedingly great power of God in them, the very power that it took to raise Christ from the dead. Pray this same prayer for yourself. Ask the Father to make this resurrection power known to you because of your great need today. The Father loves to answer prayers made in His Son’s name. He waits for you to come and seek Him. Come and come today.