It Comes with Experience
Far too many Christians struggle and live below their spiritual means because they have only experimented with Christianity as a religion rather than experiencing Christ in relationship.
“Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge…” -- Isaiah 5:13
If we are honest, most of us can say we have experienced increased and unusual stress over the past couple of years; Job loss, home-based schooling, sickness and death, and general upheaval in every area of our lives due to COVID. Many will also admit their relationship with God has changed. Some of us have relied on God more in this season. Too many have allowed their intimacy with Christ tragically go the way of many businesses – limited or closed off altogether. It can be tempting to get away from the things of God when we’re under pressure. We try to figure problems out on our own and seek answers from the wrong sources.
Have you ever seen someone spill out a list of symptoms on Facebook for “friends” to diagnose? Why would you seek medical advice from Tom the bricklayer, or Nancy, the landscaper, or the first cousin of a friend of a friend who commented on your health concern? We do it. It seems we are far too satisfied with just any ole answer, rather than seeking out the correct information – the truth.
The greatest danger to our lives, families, and the church is the fallout from our separation from the truth. Do not let it happen. The unmatched, infallible Word of God is the supernatural sustenance for your mind, soul, and spirit. God’s promised peace is there. Wisdom is there. I’m not talking about accumulated knowledge from studying -- God’s Word does more than give us information. The Spirit of the living God is on those pages, delivering the life-giving breath of your Creator, exhaling the fruit of the Spirit into your spirit.
Far too many Christians struggle and live below their spiritual means because they have only experimented with Christianity as a religion rather than experiencing Christ in relationship. To live in the providence and power of the Most High God, you have to know that you know that you know that you know. That kind of confidence comes with experience.
The Bible is not just any book.
It is alive!
It must be experienced.
Father,
Through the prophet Isaiah, we are reminded that Your Word does not return void but fulfills what You sent it out to accomplish. Your Word is divinely inspired and alive and life-changing. Thank You for nurturing and sustaining me through Your Word. Give me a hunger for more of You.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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