IN LOVE'S EMBRACE

CHAPTER 50: EVIDENCE UNSEEN

"What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see"— Hebrews 11:1

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JOHN PIERCE

I stood in front of my wardrobe, rifling through the clothes for the perfect outfit. Marco and Mandy sat on my bed, watching me flit around the room like a frantic bee.

"So, let me get this straight," Marco began, his tone skeptical. "We're going to a friend's place for a birthday dinner, even though she currently hates you and has no idea you're coming?"

"Her brother invited me," I replied, brushing him off as I moved from the wardrobe to one of my many drawers.

"I don't think this is a good idea," he said, shaking his head.

"Well, I think it's a wonderful idea," Mandy countered. I turned to give her an appreciative smile.

"But do you really think it's safe for Marco and me to come along?" she added, her voice growing quieter with each word.

"Exactly. This Arthur guy already involved the police. We don't need the extra attention. We may or may not already have someone on our tail," Marco reasoned, rising to his feet and crossing his arms.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "You guys, God got us out of there and helped us gain our freedom. I’m confident He’ll continue to protect us like He has been."

"And what makes you so sure of that?" Marco asked, his expression exasperated.

"Because He said so in His word," I answered, still rummaging through my drawer. I looked up at him, trying to muster a reassuring smile. "Try to have a bit of faith, Marco."

"It's hard to have faith when we can't actually see Him guarding us," Mandy commented, fiddling with the hem of one of my shirts.

"There's a verse that says, 'Faith is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen, and the evidence of things we cannot yet see,'" I quipped, reciting a verse Michael had drilled into me. I watched as her brows furrowed.

Even I hadn’t fully understood it before, no matter how much Michael explained. But he’d always urged me to know it by heart, promising that the Holy Spirit would one day make it clear. It seemed that 'one day' had finally arrived.

A deep understanding of the verse suddenly filled my heart, and my eyes widened in awe.

"Faith is the evidence of things we can't see yet. God has promised in His word to protect His own, right?" I asked, and they nodded, albeit timidly.

"We can’t see how He’s protecting us yet, but our faith is the evidence that He is. As long as we have faith, His words will manifest," I explained, watching their reactions closely.

They still looked confused, but I could see they were a bit more at ease. I seized the opportunity to shift the conversation and ease their worries.

"Plus, wouldn't it be nice to live and have fun like normal people for once?"

They glanced at each other, remaining silent. They were looking everywhere but at me.

"Think about it—you two could go on an actual date. Maybe to a fancy restaurant, or the cinema, or even a carnival," I suggested, with a knowing smile.

Mandy's eyes lit up with excitement, and she gave me the most innocent look. "Really?" she whispered, barely holding back a squeal.

I nodded, chuckling as she turned her attention to Marco, who was already gazing at her lovingly. She clung to his hand, beaming up at him as if waiting for his approval.