There is a big difference between, knowing about God, and really knowing God. We can learn many facts about the Lord from the Bible, and that is very important. However, having an intimate relationship with God comes through learning to trust Him through the circumstances of life, in particular, hard circumstances. It is through our trials that God will show Himself real to us as we depend upon Him.
Here is another excerpt from the new book, “The Compassionate Shepherd.” To be released this fall.
Galatians 2:20 “ I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
The Bible teaches us many things about God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Spending time in the Word of God daily is a vital part of the learning and of the growing process for the Christian. However, living out that knowledge on a daily basis is a much different process. Living by the faith of the Son of God through the toughest of times puts us on a fast track of growth.
The Christian life is to be a life of faith in God. We are saved by grace, through faith, but saving faith is elementary faith; it is the beginning of a life that should be lived by sustaining faith. The sad truth is that most Christians go no further in their relationship with the Lord than saving faith. They are thankful that God has saved them by faith, but they choose to live by sight and self-control.
Philippians 3:10 “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;”
Knowing Christ, experiencing His power, and suffering are all inseparable. I believe it is possible to have a walk with God by studying the Word and prayer; however, our trials can bring our intimacy to a new level. There is no greater way to become intimately connected to Christ than through our trials. Remember, the trial of our faith is a precious exercise in the eyes of God. That is when we have opportunity to really get to know Him.