Natural Meeting the Supernatural

I believe we live in a natural dimension of what we see, know, and experience every day.  Our natural existence is filled with sights, sounds, touches, smells and tastes that fill our five senses on a continuous basis.  Operating in parallel to this is the world of the supernatural which is the environment of God.  It is His dominion and is filled with all the attributes that we assign to Him based upon the extent of our belief.  I believe faith is birthed in us when the supernatural intersects with the natural. Death and the grave are natural experiences, aspects of which we will experience many times in many ways during our lifetimes and that we all will personally face one day.  Pictured above is the funeral for those who have been killed as a result of Russia’s assault on their nation. A scene that is recurring on a daily basis throughout Ukraine. There is not a clearer example that I can think of that illustrates the intersection of the natural with the supernatural.  Death and the grave are a natural part of life whether we like it or not, whether we recognize it or not.  What happens after I would argue is supernatural.  I know by experience that if we apply our faith when facing the death of a loved one, it is possible to be lifted to a place of peace in our heart and our soul.  That is not natural, I contend it is supernatural.  “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).  God working in our hearts and soul whether we recognize it or not. It begins when the natural intersects with the supernatural.  

When we join together in mourning there usually is no discretion with regard to the type of one’s faith or the form in which we celebrate that faith. In every funeral service I have attended and participated in while pastoring there was a spirit of unity in faith when celebrating a life passed. I believe that spirit of unity of faith is pictured above. I believe that is the natural meeting the supernatural and faith is birthed into the midst of the gatherers. Faith can overcome fear. Faith is fear’s antidote. Faith and fear cannot coexist, they are opposites. Faith unifies, fear divides.  Faith offers peace and understanding.  Faith is intended to build up, not tear down.  Faith is not critical; it edifies. People of faith pray and willingly join others in prayer. They understand that praying is an act of humility before the God of their understanding and before each other. It is a sign of surrender to God and each other. I believe that is what the apostle Paul meant when he wrote “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6) The answer to surviving an atrocity like the one ongoing in Ukraine is by faith. Our faith gives us no reason why bad things like those in Ukraine happen. Our faith does not tell us why so many innocent people die and why so many have to suffer the loss of loved ones. Our faith does tell us that God feels our pain and identifies with it (John 11:35). Our faith does tell us we will see our loved ones again. And when we do it will be in a better place and in a better time. That is all our faith does for us at times like these in Ukraine. But when we step out in our faith in times like these, we learn faith is all we need for the moment. That is when the natural meets the supernatural.