Bill went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed. Mike, the barber, began to work, and they struck up a good conversation…telling stories as usual. They talked about politics and the upcoming elections, the state of the economy, their families and kids.
They eventually touched on the subject of God. Mike said, “I don’t believe that God exists.”
Bill asked, “Why do you say that?”
Mike replied, “Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn’t exist. Tell me, Bill, if God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be wars and conflicts? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can’t imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things.”
Bill listened, but didn’t respond because he didn’t want to start an argument.
Mike finished the haircut, and Bill left the shop. As he walked down the sidewalk, Bill saw a man with long, stringy, dirty hair, and an untrimmed beard walking down the other side of the street. He looked dirty and unkempt.
Bill turned around and entered the barbershop again; he said to Mike, the barber, “You know what? Barbers do not exist.”
The surprised barber asked, “How can you say that? I am here, and I am a barber…and I just worked on you!”
Bill replied, “Barbers don’t exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards…like that man outside walking down the sidewalk.”
The barber said, “But barbers DO exist! That’s just what happens when people do not come to me.”
“Exactly!” Bill affirmed. “That’s the point! God, also, DOES exist! It’s like what happens when people do not come to Him, too!
*********
Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29 ESV
For His invisible attributes, namely, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. Romans 1:20 ESV
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 ESV
*******************************************
If you liked this story and would like a copy of either of my books,
they are available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle format:
If you have a story or testimony that you think might bless others,
I invite you to send it by email to me (Kenneth Kersey) at godsotherways@me.com.
*******************************************