When the Facts of Life and the Facts of Faith Collide

Insights from The Weekly REBOOT

By: Evan Owens

Life often has a way of presenting us with circumstances that seem to contradict what we believe about God’s promises. The tension between the “facts of life”—what we see and experience—and the “facts of faith”—what God has promised in His Word—can create confusion, doubt, and even despair. So how do we respond when life doesn’t seem to align with faith?

Let’s explore this through two stories: one of a modern-day tragedy in Lahaina, Hawaii, and one of King David from the Bible, who experienced the same kind of tension over the course of his life.

A Modern-Day Tragedy: The Pastor from Lahaina

A pastor in Lahaina, Hawaii, was living out his calling in powerful ways. His church was growing rapidly, reaching indigenous people groups that had been historically difficult to reach. It seemed as though God’s hand was clearly on his ministry. But on August 8, 2023, everything changed. A wildfire swept through the island, and by 3:00 PM, it was clear the fire was closing in.

By 5:00 PM, he was trying to guide his family to safety when their car was overtaken by flames. In a desperate bid to survive, his family ran to the beach and jumped into the water, but the fire’s intensity made survival impossible. They perished that day, leaving behind a devastated community and questions about God’s plan.

How do we reconcile such devastating loss with the belief in a loving, sovereign God? This question isn’t new—it echoes through the pages of Scripture, particularly in the life of King David.

David’s Journey: When Faith and Life Collide

David’s story is one of anointing, victory, betrayal, and heartbreak. At every stage, he faced moments when the “facts of life” and the “facts of faith” seemed to be in direct conflict.

1. The Promise of Kingship

David’s journey began in the small town of Bethlehem when the prophet Samuel anointed him as the next king of Israel. The anointing seemed to promise an unbroken path to greatness. And at first, everything aligned. He defeated Goliath, became a national hero, and even joined King Saul’s court. The “facts of life” and the “facts of faith” matched up perfectly.

2. Betrayal and Exile

But soon, Saul’s jealousy drove David into exile. For a decade, he lived as a fugitive, hunted by the very king he was supposed to replace. Where was God’s promise now? David had every opportunity to take matters into his own hands and kill Saul, but he chose to trust God’s timing instead. Still, the tension was real—God’s promise of kingship seemed far away.

3. The Pain of Leadership

When David finally became king, it seemed like God’s promise was fulfilled. But even then, life was far from perfect. He faced political challenges, personal failures, and family tragedy. One of the most heartbreaking moments came when his son Absalom rebelled against him. After Absalom’s death, David’s cry—“Absalom, my son, my son!”—revealed the depth of his pain. In Psalm 22, David’s words, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” capture the raw emotion of someone struggling to reconcile life with faith.

Lessons from David’s Response

David’s life gives us a blueprint for navigating the tension when the facts of life and the facts of faith don’t seem to align.

1. Honest Lament

David was brutally honest with God. He didn’t hide his pain or confusion. Instead, he brought his doubts, fears, and frustrations to God in prayer. This teaches us that it’s okay to question and wrestle with God when life doesn’t make sense.

2. Clinging to God’s Character

Even in his darkest moments, David reminded himself of who God is. In Psalm 13, he moves from despair (“How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?”) to trust (“But I trust in your unfailing love”). When life’s facts are confusing, holding onto God’s character provides stability.

3. Choosing Obedience

David had multiple chances to take shortcuts, but he chose to obey God instead. Whether it was sparing Saul’s life or enduring the consequences of his own failures, David trusted that God’s timing and plan were better than his own.

What Can We Do?

When the facts of life don’t align with the facts of faith, it’s natural to feel disoriented. But like David, we can choose to:

• Lament Honestly: Bring your struggles to God in prayer. He’s big enough to handle your doubts and pain.
• Remember God’s Character: Meditate on His faithfulness, love, and sovereignty.
• Trust God’s Timing: Resist the urge to take shortcuts or force outcomes. God’s plan often unfolds differently than we expect.

The pastor in Lahaina, like David, lived a life of faith in the midst of tragedy. His story reminds us that even when we don’t understand, we can trust that God is still working. David’s story shows us that while the tension between life and faith is real, so is God’s faithfulness.

So, what do you do when the facts of life and the facts of faith collide? You follow David’s example: you cry out to God, trust His promises, and take the next step in faith.