Proof

When I was younger, I had this period of time where I really wanted to believe in God but I couldn't wrap my head around it without physical proof. I decided to conduct an "experiment," if you will, to truly gather evidence of his existence. To do this, I took a rag from my bathroom, made it soaking wet, and then hid it in my cabinet. I prayed to God and said, "God if you are real, make this rag dry by tomorrow morning."

Spoiler alert: no matter how many times I did it I never woke up to a dry rag. Does this mean we can conclude God is a fluke? Absolutely not. God doesn't need to prove himself to me or anyone in order to make his existence legitimate. I didn't really get this in the moment though.

Although I may be a bit older, and I'd argue I have a much greater relationship with God now, I still have times where I am tempted to ask God for proof. Doubt creeps into my mind sometimes, and while I wish it didn't, it does anyway.

It wasn't until a few years ago where I had a moment of true realization. There had been numerous mini miracles God had performed in my life that were so minuscule if I hadn't paid attention I never would have noticed. It was in this moment I realized that while I had been busy searching for proof, I had been missing out on all the ways God was already showing up in my life.

I made a notes app called, "God in my life" and began to notate every personal reminder and place God had revealed himself to me. Today I want to share a few of them, in hopes that someone reading this may get a glimpse into how God may be showing up in their own life. Maybe you just haven't noticed it.

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THE CROSS ON NORTH AVENUE

For as long as I can remember, two trees on the road leading to my house have perfectly aligned to form a cross. While, I don't know if someone placed them that way or if they feel into position naturally, one thing is certain--they have never fallen. The trees around it have collapsed from storms and harsh weather, but this cross has stood firm for years, even on marshy ground.

I passed it on my way home after rough days at school. I looked at it on runs with my teammates. It will be the first thing I'll look for as I drive home from my first year of college. Each time I pass it I'm reminded: When your foundation is in Christ, no circumstance can knock you down.

CLEMENTINES ARE PRE CUT FRUIT

I eat clementines every single day, and I almost always find myself shocked at the fact that they are sliced for you to eat. I mean come on. His details can be so small but that doesn't make them any less thoughtful.

MY JERSEY #

The summer before my Senior year was one of the most stressful times of my life. I was getting tutored daily for the ACT, training hard for cross country, and constantly worrying about college.

So when I received my cross country jersey number that year, the first thought that crossed my mind was, Wow, imagine if this ended up being my ACT score.

A few months later, when my score came back it matched my jersey number exactly. Coincidence? I don't believe so. It was in that moment I was reminded that my future was in God's control not my own.

GRAVITY SLIGHTLY MORE POWERFUL

Maybe you need numbers to give you 'proof' and reassurance that God is real. There actually is a lot of statistics that never fail to validate my faith. Here is my favorite one though:

If gravity were even 1% stronger the entire universe would collapse into a ball. If it were just a little weaker, the universe would fly apart, stars would disappear, no planets, absolutely nothing.

When there is that much preciseness is there really a possibility that all of this came to be randomly? I think it's harder to believe there isn't a Creator that believing in one that is abundantly obviously real.

MOM AND DAD

My mom and dad were made for each other. Beyond being the greatest role models I could ask for, their love story is proof that coincidences don't create 25 years of love--God does.

AUBURN ALL ALONG

A little over one year ago I applied to my first college. I had no idea what was to come, but I genuinely couldn't stand the thought of not knowing.

A few months later, after getting a few acceptance letters, I got into Auburn University. Initially, I wrote it off and didn't even consider it as an option.

The other day I logged into my old common application just for fun. I couldn't stop laughing when I saw the first school I ever applied to--Auburn.

Today, I'm in a major that I love, I've met lifelong friends, and I can't imagine being anywhere else. It was Auburn all along. God knew, even when I didn't

ANNIE

Going so far from home, and as a result my entire family, I feared finding people that made me feel at home. I joined a sorority with the intent to find girls that felt like family but never really expected much. I prayed God would help me choose the one where I could find this. I'll never forget walking into Sigma Kappa, and although I didn't know it yet, Annie was waiting at the door for me.

Annie has been, dare I say one of the greatest college blessings and furthermore greatest friends of my life. Not only have I found a church buddy, personal cheerleader, and older sister away from home, I have additionally been given a person to count on day in and day out. I used to pray daily for intentional friendships, God answered that prayer completely when he gave me Annie. How could chance even come close?

MY FOUR SISTERS

I have never had walk through life alone. When I didn't know what to say, Catherine had the words. When I didn't believe I could compete, Caroline taught me how. When I didn't know what I brought to the table, Claire was there to remind me. When I couldn't see the laughter in a situation, Caleigh found it for me.

Out of the 8.2 billion people in the world, God gave me the four sister who are exactly what I needed. No luck could possibly produce the same result.

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It's normal to have days of doubt, but how you react to those thoughts is incredibly important. I have found having reminders at the touch of your finger can help to combat discouragement and replace doubt for truth.

God is intentional. God performed miracles and continues to do so today. He is in your life whether you know it or not. Sometimes all it takes is opening your eyes and looking at all the ways he is already abundantly showing up in your life.

So the next time you experience doubt, don't wet a rag and expect God to dry it. Instead remind yourself of all the ways He's already dried your wet rags.

He's shown up for you before, and you shouldn't need proof to remember that.