EXPERIENCING GOD

Sounds great, huh?

We all want to experience God, don't we?

Well, hold on to your hat...

You see, there's a big difference between knowing about God, and knowing God.

After all, it's one thing to read about Mt. Everest, or to watch a documentary about this grand, majestic mountain.

But it's a whole other thing to risk your own life for a chance at the summit.

Have you had those times of mountain-climbing in your life?

Times when you've had decisions or struggles or responsibilities that weigh you down?

Times when fear or doubt or wavering uncertainty washed over you? Times when you felt tossed and turned?  Times when you've gone through terrible turmoil?  (I know the answer is yes...)

I've just completed a study about experiencing God.

About finding and doing God's will.

And over these last few months, I haven't just been in this Bible Study, I've been living it.

I've had many moments when I've questioned myself, second-guessed decisions, doubted direction.

I've often wondered, "Am I doing God's will?"

And here's what I've discovered.  I was unable to find peace until I told God, "I'm going to do what I feel like You're calling me to do - and I trust that You're going with me."

Yes, I continue to feel many, many feelings.  Some are wonderful, others are downright *Jacob-wrestling*...

And that's all part of experiencing God, too.

It is wonderful, exciting - but it's also daunting.

Just like climbing Mt. Everest.

Our enemy does not want us to experience God, nor does he want us to obey Him.  He does his best to stop, deter, thwart, distract us from our path. He could care less about our purpose - he would rather have us feel pity or panic or pride.

He is the sudden snowstorm on the mountain, the blizzard that blocks our view of the summit.  He is frostbite, and the lack of oxygen that muddles our mind.

He is the constantly incessant voice that whispers, "You can't do it."


You know, on this one he's right - I can't do it.


But I know Someone who can.


You see, when you begin to know God, instead of just knowing about Him, He begins to do the work you cannot do on your own.

He transforms your heart and your mind - He gives you the desire and the power to answer His invitation to come where He is working.

Sometimes it's climbing a mountain.


Sometimes it's a leap of faith.


Not gonna lie - the path to the summit is treacherous, fraught with danger, and it requires dying to self...

But I hear that the view from the top is breath-taking!


So what's the mountain God wants you to climb?  What's the view He wants you to see?

I will close with the words of Job:

"I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes."  (Job 42:5)


How is God calling you to experience Him in a new and deeper way?


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God"