Getting to Know God Through His World, His Word, and His Work in My Life
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I want to know Christ–yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” (Philippians 3:10-11 NIV)
Growing up on a farm, I had a front-row seat to God’s wonders. Tiny seeds turned into sprouts, then plants, and finally pushed forth peas, beans, and carrots. Amazing!
My parents occasionally woke me at night, wrapped me in a blanket, and carried me outside to watch the northern lights. Amazing!
Of course, my parents reinforced my faith by reading Bible stories to me and taking me to church. My childlike faith respected and stood in awe of my Creator.
“Growing in Faith Through Scripture, Prayer and Experience”
As a young woman, I got to know God better as I studied His Word and prayed. At the age of 30 I dedicated my life to God and told Him I would go where He would send me. I admit I held reservations about going to Africa.
It turned out He sent me to my own neighborhood. I got to know the characteristics of God by teaching 20-some kids after-school Bible lessons. I studied a God of miracles who parted the Red Sea. I got to know a compassionate God who gave Moses the 10 Commandments a second time after he smashed the first set.
And when it became obvious that people could never keep the law as they should, God sent Jesus as the sacrificial lamb to save the world. What a loving God!
During those years, I married and became mama to two boys. My third pregnancy, however, was difficult. Christy Marie lived only a few hours after her premature birth. We were devastated. How could our good, loving God let this happen? Our entire congregation had prayed all would go well.
My pastor explained, “We ask; we don’t demand.” And I learned to surrender my will to God’s will. I memorized Psalm chapter 42 and learned to hope in God that life would someday be better. In time God soothed my grief, and I thought more of heaven since my daughter lives there.
Maturing in Faith Through Scripture Memorization
In my midlife years, I memorized the book of Philippians, so that I would have Scripture in mind to strengthen me through challenging times. Then I memorized the book of Ruth. And since we know God best through Jesus, I also memorized the first four chapters of the gospel of John along with shorter passages about our Lord.
“I want to know Christ–yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” (Philippians 3:10-11 NIV).
If my mind is troubled at night, I meditate on these passages and usually drop off to sleep. If I experience physical challenges, I pray Psalm chapter 139 and trust God calms my body or provides healthcare for me.
Maturing in Faith Through Service
Along the road of life I served ten years as a director of Christian education, and since that time God led me through a speaking and writing ministry.
Conclusion
Just as I’ve gotten to know my husband better by communicating with him during more than 60 years of marriage, I now know my God better after a lifetime of relating to Him. And He’s gotten to know me as well. However, there always remains mystery in our relationship with a God whose ways are higher than ours.
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Question:
Would you go wherever God told you to go … even Africa? If not, why not?
Have you ever asked God why bad things sometimes happen to good people? If this troubles you, pray about it, asking God for discernment.
Have you ever thought about memorizing Scripture to help strengthen your mind in challenging times?
