Must a deity first manifest before you to deserve belief?

Deities should not be treated as beings required to appear on demand before you believe. A friend hearing me mention a connection with Lord Guan demanded to see him first. I replied that if the deity wished to let you see, he would, but I could not guarantee it or summon him at will.

Dao Shun once believed ghosts existed but doubted deities because he had only seen ghosts. Later, during a low point, he worshipped in Pingtung and remained respectful despite uncertainty. He said his mood suddenly brightened the moment he knelt, and later experiences in life and with divination blocks gradually brought belief. This was Dao Shun's own change in faith.

I value beginning with trust so we become willing to quiet ourselves, engage, and experience. Yet perceptions still need judgment. A feeling or dream does not confirm a true deity. Someone once said that after visiting a place they dreamed of the person there every day, which struck me as concerning. Wisdom is what truly needs passing on, including understanding and discernment.

Questions can be raised. In sharing views, I explain why I think that way and the reasons behind judgments, hoping others develop their own ability to judge rather than accept everything simply because Master said it.

I compare this to bubble tea. If others say it tastes good but you refuse even one sip, you cannot know the experience. Faith also requires actual engagement for understanding to become possible. YOYO noted that developing trust during a low period genuinely takes courage. Such confidence can continue growing through personal experience.

Miao Nian also shared initially seeing statues without sensing divine presence. Later, after home renovations and arranging worship, she clearly felt energy enter through a window and move into the statue during consecration. This became an important experience in her belief. Understanding faith requires personal engagement and comprehension.