Wondering About God
Wondering About God?
There's a lot to wonder about! And that's a good thing. We tend to equate wondering with ignorance, while it may actually be a superior perception--an awareness that there is more to life than meets the eye.
God is like that. Words to describe and define Him reach their limit, yet He goes beyond them. God is worthy of your wonder.
What we may know about God is what He has revealed about Himself. Moses taught, "The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law" (Deuteronomy 29:29). And from the pages of both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible we may discover a great deal that God wants us to know.
Guilt to Forgiveness
Many begin to wonder about God because of a sense of guilt, looking for some peace, some rest from self-condemnation. God answers: "I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more" (Hebrews 8:12).
When God forgives, He does not simply turn a blind eye to our wrongdoings; that would be unjust. Instead, He paid our debt for us, so that He could justly free us from condemnation. "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Jesus died in our place and for our sins, so that all who are guilty could find forgiveness from God.
Lostness to Purpose
Many begin to wonder about God because of a sense of lostness, an uncertainty of their purpose for living. Jesus answers: "I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10).
God created you on purpose (even if your parents thought it was an accident). You have a unique role to play in history (His story). And He has been preparing you to fill that role, for He "causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called, according to His purpose for them" (Romans 8:28).
Helplessness to Victory
Many begin to wonder about God because of a sense of helplessness, feeling overwhelmed and underprepared to meet the challenges they face. God answers: "My grace is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak" (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Weakness is not something we freely expose to others, yet God invites us to admit it to Him. He is not ashamed of our weaknesses; He knows we were made from the dust. Instead, He longs to match our weaknesses with His strength. "Everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith" 1 John 5:4).
The Key
That's the key to these transformations: our faith. This key unlocks a wealth of grace from God.
Just as you may love to help those who genuinely want your help, God pours out His grace to those who sincerely trust Him for it. "Would any of you give your hungry child a stone, if the child asked for some bread? Would you give your child a snake if the child asked for a fish? As bad as you are, you still know how to give good gifts to your children. But your heavenly Father is even more ready to give good things to people who ask" (Matthew 7:9-11). Your part is to trust God's good will toward you because of Jesus Christ.
God's part is to give you a spiritual new birth, an act of divine creation in your heart. Jesus said, "Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again'" (John 3:7-8). This new birth comes as a result of trusting Jesus Christ.
Here's How
Jesus said, "You believe in God, now put your trust in me also" (John 14:1).
Transferring your trust to Christ (instead of depending on yourself) is done by prayer--for the first time, and for every other time, too. There are three essential ingredients: (1) turning from your own way of living and turning to God for His leadership, (2) counting on Jesus' substitution for you on the cross and His resurrection from the dead to release you, and (3) inviting the Holy Spirit to take up residence in your heart and give you the grace you need to honor God with your life.
Perhaps this simple prayer can be a model for you:
Almighty God, I am sorry for preferring my own way to Yours. Still, you sent Your Son Jesus to pay for my guilt and raised Him from death to provide me newness of life. I put my trust in Him to save me, now and forever. Please come into my life, Holy Spirit, and create in me a new heart with a desire to please and honor God. Thank you. Amen.
The word "amen" means "let it be so."
What Now?
If you have prayed such a prayer, you probably have a million questions remaining, but you have made the most important first step. Begin to read the New Testament of the Bible for yourself (find a translation that is not difficult to understand--there are many). And find a Christ-centered congregation with whom you can worship and learn. If you would like to visit one of our meetings, you would be so welcome! If you think we could help you find one closer to your home, please contact us; we'd be more than happy to help. God bless you as you follow Him!