Many of us would never dream of stepping out of the house without our cell phone in hand. But, it can and does happen. I can verify this through my own experience! We stuff everything into our purses (sorry, guys), while grabbing our coffee, keys, and kids as we head out the door.
Not until we are settled in, several miles down the road, running late, of course, we instinctively reach for our phone and..."Oh, no!" Trying to keep the car on the road, we frantically glance up and down between where our phone normally is and the cars around us.
This is about the time that the purse is turned over and dumped out on the seat. Still no cell phone! That panic-stricken, lost and sinking feeling sets in your stomach as you realize it's still sitting on the counter back home where you left it!!
We, too, can also find ourselves in this situation in our relationship with God. We think we have it all under control, have everything we need (and more), then "Boom!" Just like that, we realize that something is missing. The most important part of our relationship has been left behind: God.
For sure, as followers of Jesus Christ, we read scripture and memorize a verse or two daily, are regular attendees at church, and perhaps even teach a Bible class or lead a fellowship group. We think, "That would never happen to me!"
Of course, we don't set out to intentionally do this. Unfortunately, it can and does more often than you think. We may study, read, and pray yet we are merely skimming the surface. What we take away from our endeavors is not any real meat, only the drippings.
As Christians, is should be our sincerest desire to learn all we can about God. Of course, we will never know everything there is to know. After all, the only things we can really learn about God are those that He chooses to reveal to us (Matthew 11:27; Luke 10:22).
But if we are sincere about our desire to be taught by Him, and are committed to do so, then rest assured that God will direct or guide us to this knowledge (Psalm 32:8). This applies both to the newest and the most advanced believer alike.
God's guidance is promised to those who genuinely desire and seek it (Jeremiah 29:13). For many of us today, simply cracking our Bibles open and reading for a bit every now and then is good enough. But is that all you want or desire from your relationship with God? Is "good enough" sufficient?
There are three critical ways by which we may receive understanding from God. We can learn from His Word (the Bible), by His Spirit; think of this as God being able to get in touch with us whenever He likes (John 16:13). And, by His providence, as He is in complete control of the universe!
I must add one more thing here. Patience is also needed in order to learn and understand all that we can from God. We must learn how to wait (Proverbs 3:5-6). Now for some this may be easier said than done. We do live in a very impatient world. But God has all eternity, He is no rush. Not for you, not for me, not for anyone.
Here's some helpful advice while waiting to gain from His Divine teaching. Wait humbly (respectfully); wait earnestly (sincerely and purposefully); wait believingly (trustful and accepting); and perseveringly (persistent and determined).
Above all, don't forget to include God in your relationship! God wants you to learn all that you can about Him. Prayerfully ask Him for guidance and knowledge. In order to obey His teachings we must first know His will before we can carry it out.
Scripture: Isaiah 30:21; James 1:5-6; Psalm 37:23-24; Proverbs 16:9; Luke 1:79
Prayer: Dear Lord, I humbly submit my spirit to You, in total trust and love; guide me down Your desired path, please show me the way always. Amen
Have a blessed Monday!
Julieanne
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.