Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

In the landscape of spirituality, few truths shine as brightly as the profound nature of God and His enduring relationship with humanity. Often, our vocabulary fails to capture the fullness of His greatness, capturing only a fraction of who He is. The miracles that Jesus performed during His earthly ministry amplify the sense of awe we should feel toward our Creator, and the biblical testimony speaks volumes to the infinite nature of His capabilities. In fact, John 21:25 reminds us, “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” The miracles, teachings, and acts of compassion demonstrated by Jesus cannot be contained in the limited pages of our understanding. Yet, we often impose constraints upon God’s abilities—isn’t it time to examine why?

The Unchanging Nature of God

As believers, we often hear phrases like, “God doesn’t do that today,” or “Those were different times.” However, Hebrews 13:8 serves as a powerful reminder that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. This invitation beckons us to realize that the God who parted the Red Sea, raised people from the dead, and healed the sick is still very much active in the world today. The same power that flowed through Jesus during His time on Earth is available to us now. The question we must confront is why we choose to limit Him.
So often, we are confined by our own comfort zones. We reduce our expectations of what God can do based on our understanding of the natural world and the circumstances around us. However, Psalm 147:5 declares, “Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.” By acknowledging that God is not bound by the same limitations we experience as human beings, we begin to understand the depth of His greatness.

The Primacy of Knowing God

More than anything, the call to seek and know God stands paramount in the life of a believer. Acts 17:26-28 proclaims, “From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. For in him we live and move and have our being.” This passage emphasizes that our existence is intricately linked to our Creator. However, how can we live, move, and exist in someone we do not know intimately?
Jesus desires a relationship with us—a deep, meaningful one that shapes every aspect of our lives. It’s a dynamic that flourishes over time, enriched by commitment and mutual growth. Unlike the instantaneous gratification we often seek, knowing God requires effort. As we engage in this journey, it mirrors any profound relationship we share with others. It demands time, attention, and a willingness to delve beyond the surface.

The Commitment of Christ

When we contemplate commitment, the ultimate act of commitment was demonstrated in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He willingly laid down His life so that we might know Him and be reconciled to God. John 15:13 affirms this when it states, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” The question then arises: Are we truly committed to knowing Him and being known by Him?
In 2 Chronicles 7:14, we are called to a transformative posture: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” This conditional promise from God emphasizes that our relationship with Him is reciprocal. If we take the first step to seek Him, God has pledged to respond. This divine promise encourages us to actively pursue a deeper understanding of who He is.

The Conditional Promise of Pursuit

Imagine a scenario where you desire to tend to your garden, while your spouse has a passion for hiking. You may approach them, saying, “If you help me pull the weeds in the garden, we’ll have time to go hiking together after.” In this exchange, you have formulated a conditional promise based on mutual commitment. This dynamic plays out in our relationship with God throughout Scripture.
God often sets forth conditions that invite us to act as a response to His promises. Deuteronomy 28 is another excellent example of this principle, outlining blessings contingent upon obedience. God has always desired for us to do our part, as He has graciously committed to keeping His promises to us.

The Importance of Stillness and Presence

One of the most challenging aspects of cultivating a relationship with God can be the practice of stillness. As busy individuals, we may struggle to carve out moments dedicated solely to worship and adoration of our Creator. Yet, Psalm 46:10 encourages us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” In those moments of stillness, we can truly encounter God’s presence and allow His Spirit to speak to our hearts.
Abiding in God’s presence provides clarity and understanding of ourselves. As we seek Him, we gain insights into our identity as beings made in His image. The closer we draw to God, the more we recognize our purpose and potential in His grand design. Proverbs 3:5-6 reinforces this truth: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Finding God in Our Everyday Lives

The beauty of seeking God is that He desires to be discovered by us. He is not hidden but is actively involved in our daily lives. Drawing closer to God enables us to see His hand at work in the mundane, and it equips us to identify and respond to divine opportunities. Jeremiah 29:13 emphasizes, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” When we earnestly pursue Him, we will find Him, and He will reveal Himself in ways we may not have expected.

The Risk of Being Fully Known

The reflection on seeking deeper intimacy with God naturally leads us to a salient question: Does the idea of being fully known by God excite you or scare you? It’s a profound thought to consider that God, the Creator of the universe, knows everything about you. Each thought, every fear, and every hope are laid bare before Him. Yet, despite this complete awareness, He loves you wholly as His child. This unconditional love should settle comfortably in our hearts, but it can also be unsettling. The reality is that we come with flaws, failures, and struggles that we might prefer to hide. However, God invites us to rest in the comfort of His love, allowing us to be both known and accepted in our vulnerable state.
He yearns for us to be at home in His presence, a space where we can let down our guard and embrace our true selves. This connection is not about achieving perfection but rather about experiencing love and acceptance that leads to transformation and growth.

Conclusion: Ready to Go Deeper?

Are you willing to step into the fullness of what it means to be fully known by God? Are you prepared to pursue a relationship that transforms every aspect of your life? Jesus’s wounds for you and me remind us of His unyielding commitment. As we seek Him and discover Him anew, we will not only gain clarity in our own identities but also experience the unimaginable joys of being in a relationship with the Almighty.
Ultimately, our journey of seeking God and knowing Him is not simply about what He can do for us, but about becoming fully known in His presence. Let us continue seeking, praying, and entering into this divine relationship that reassures us of His faithfulness. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you (James 4:8). The invitation is extended for us to dive deeper, forging a connection that surpasses our limitations and embraces His infinite love and greatness. So, the question we should constantly reflect upon is this: Are we ready to go deeper? Is our heart open to being formed and transformed by the one true God?