Do you really want to know God better?

Do you have a burning desire to know God? To know his plans for you and to gain the clarity you need to live your life on purpose?

You probably do, most of us want to live a life surrendered to God. One where we choose to do God’s will. But have you ever wondered what this will entail? Do you find yourself praying to know God and live for Him yet still flounder, confused and unsure of what to do?

If so, I would like to ask a few more questions:

1. Do you ever wonder if your prayers to live for God are only half baked, where you say what you think you should say without fully considering what it means
2. Have you ever wondered how far you will go in service and obedience to God?

I believe these questions are relevant if we want to live a Christ-centered life as it’s often easy to say the right thing but harder to live it out.

For instance, Romans 8: 28 provides thus:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good for those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

This is an incredible scripture verse that is often misunderstood. Many times we focus on the part that says ‘all things will work for our good’ and forget the proviso or conditions attached.

Per the above verse, all things work for our good if we:

• love God, and
• are called to his purpose

Which brings us back to the burning desire to know and live for God. Living our lives for God means that no matter what we face, both good and bad, it will all work in our favour and bring Him glory.

Let me rephrase this, living for God means obeying His word and precepts, it means overcoming the trials and temptations that come our way (not in our strength but in His) and when we fall, learning to confess our sins and weaknesses and leaning on Him for forgiveness and sanctification.

Living for Him also means facing life, every aspect of life, with a hope that He is ultimately in control.

All of these are easier said than done. They often look good on paper but the reality is far from palatable.

 

The Hard truth about living for God

There is the sad but relatable story about the young man who approached Jesus with a desire to live for God. Here’s what happened:

“Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”

 Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”…All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”

Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.”

Matthew 19:17-22

There are many lessons in this story but let’s focus on one: the ultimate sacrifice that was too high for this young man but is what God is calling us to every day. This story is not really about wealth but about everything we have placed above God, whether directly or indirectly.

Our Lord and Saviour reminds us that:

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves, take up their cross daily and follow me.”

Luke 9:23

I have shared these words not to scare you away from God but to remind you of the consequences of a decision to follow God. A reminder that it will not be all sweets and roses but will come with pain, with rejection, persecution, insults, sacrifice, and a host of other things.

It points to living a life beyond ourselves, a life that is focused on the heart of God.

And yet, there is an unimaginable beauty in living wholly for God. There is the fulfillment that no other worldly enterprise or person can ensure. There is the completeness that can only be found in God and most especially there is the peace that passes all understanding. His word also promises His blessings and rewards for the faithful and diligent servant.

Knowing your unique story

I also share these things based on my personal experience and perhaps you have also experienced these hard but beautiful truths.

For me, following God means saying no to those things that are not in alignment with his plans for me, including attractive job opportunities, business ideas, relationships and even connections. It has often meant being misunderstood, ridiculed and even ignored. There have been tears, pain and heartache. There has also been fear, uncertainty and loneliness.

Many times, I have floundered, I have tried to do it my way but by His grace, I always come back, realizing yet again that nothing else makes sense if He is not in it.

I have also seen incredible growth in my life, a constant dying to self and a willingness to love unconditionally, even when it hurts. I am so grateful that he saved me from myself and I will not have it any other way.

The most amazing thing about each decision to let go, including of my money, comforts and convenience is the abundance of grace He bestows. It is a deep well of nourishment; a well filled each time with His living water. It is in these moments that I’m reminded, once again, that our wholeness can only come from God.

So, what’s your story? What are you still holding on to even as you profess to want to know and serve God, wholeheartedly?

He is reminding us that we have to let go of things that are distracting us from living for Him. That He has to be the most important thing in our lives, and that indecisiveness can never lead to true surrender.

Dear Sis, I want to remind you that nothing, absolutely nothing, can quantify to living the life God has for you.

I pray you choose Him, every time.

 

Please look out for more posts on living a surrendered life.