Truth is not fact

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, truth is defined as "the real state of things". Fact is said to be "something that exists or occurs".

A fact is something that happens, like "I called Susie today" or "My car is sitting in the street". It is something tangible, something that can be grasped by human logic. Truth is similar, but it takes on a new dimension of the fact. "I called Susie today" becomes "I called Susie today and talked to her voicemail". It builds on the previous knowledge of what was said. I may have called, but I didn't talk to her. If the last part of the comment is missing, the listener loses out on a piece of vital information.

Our world relies on facts and figures to sustain us. Our economy is built on facts and figures. Our students are taught to memorize tables and tidbits of information. We are a practical people. We don't have time for foolishness. We only want to know more, it seems, when it comes to gossip. We aren't truly interested in the truth of the matter-our perspective is the only one that we seem to care about.

For believers in Christ, this thought of fact versus truth takes on a new dimension. The world's version of truth is not the same as God's. God's version of truth is what our world (or our enemy) doesn't want to hear. Through the ages, God has spoken His truth into many people. In fact, if we look at the Word of God, we can see several instances where this is the case. This isn't a comprehensive list, so you will have to do some exploring on your own. If you find more, please feel free to add to the list.

Fact 1#: Genesis 15: 4-5, 16:1-4
Abraham and Sarah were promised a son by God. They both knew that it was impossible naturally, so they decided to take matter into their own hands.

Truth 1#: Genesis 18:1-15, 21:1-4, 22:15-18
The Lord appeared to Abraham and repeated His promise to him. Though Sarah laughed, she conceived and bore Isaac in her old age. Through Isaac, God made a great nation.

Fact 2# :Exodus 4:18-20, 14:10-14
Moses came back to set his people free from the yoke of Pharaoh. When God had set them free, He led them to the Red Sea. The problem: Pharaoh's army was closing in and they had nowhere to go.

Truth 2#: Exodus 14:15-31
God told the people to march on. Moses lifted his hand over the sea, and the waters parted. After the Israelites crossed over, the waters swallowed Pharaoh's army. God didn't leave them trapped-he rescued them.

Other facts versus truths to ponder:

David and Bathsheba: 2 Samuel 11-12
Ruth
Esther
Paul's conversion: Acts 8:1-3, 9

And the greatest one of all:

The Lord's resurrection: Jesus was dead-but now He's alive! According to the world's truth, He is still dead. BUT God's truth is not dead- He LIVES!!!!