As young people in Christ, we often look at the examples around us of people with great relationships with God and think, will I ever be like them? Wow, they always have it all together in their walk with Christ! How are they so faithful? How do they always hear God’s voice? How do they have so much faith? Questions, questions, so many questions.
Building a relationship takes time. The best and strongest relationships, whether a marriage, a job, or even a friendship, all have a common foundation, and that, of course, is dedication [which speaks of devotion, loyalty, conscientiousness] and time. When we dedicate time to people or even a job, we get to know them/it intimately. We learn the ins and outs of our jobs and of people; their likes, dislikes, shortcomings, values, voice, personality traits, etc. We learn how to navigate and interact with that person or job seamlessly because there is synergy since they know how you operate, and you know how they operate. This is only possible by spending time in that job or with that person. We also cannot discount reciprocity in the relationship, that is, the intentional exchange between parties involved and mutual commitment to understanding each other.
Our relationship with Christ is very similar. We can only grow in Christ if we spend time with Christ. Our relationship with Him blossoms when we carve out time to spend with Him. How can we hear God’s voice if we are unfamiliar with it? Even if blindfolded in a crowd, many of us can pinpoint our mother just from hearing her voice. We can only do this because we spend time with our mother and know her voice intimately. Similarly, we can only hear and know God’s voice if we take the time to learn it. In the Bible, John 10:27 says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” God, in all His faithfulness, also promised in verse 28, “And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.”
How can we be faithful to someone we do not even know? Faithful, by definition, signifies loyalty, firm adherence to a person or cause, consistency, etc. Many of us would agree that we would be unwilling to give that type of devotion to someone we do not know. However, when we begin to know God and understand who He is and His character, it ignites a drive in us to seek and yearn for Him even more. Coming into God’s presence and dwelling with Him brings us joy. Psalm 34:8 says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good. How happy is the man who takes refuge in Him!” That happiness almost becomes addictive, and it encourages us to remain faithful in our walk with Christ.
How can we have faith in someone we do not know? The Bible describes faith as “…the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1). Romans 10:17 further elaborates that “…faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” God’s Word reveals His heart and will for us. When we spend time in God’s Word, we understand His promises for us and His expectations of us; this Word emboldens us and strengthens our faith in Him. Regardless of our circumstances, faith is our complete trust in God’s love for us. If God says He will do something, it will be done! He is not a man that He should lie (Numbers 23:19).
Do the people we admire always have it all together with their walk with Christ? Will we ever be like them? The poet Alexander Pope once said, “To err is human, to forgive is divine.” This famous line reminds us that, as mere humans, we tend to fall short of what God expects of us, but God is always merciful to forgive. His Word says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). And 1 John 1:9 states, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
God referred to David as a man after his own heart (1 Samuel 13:14 ). What an honour! To receive such praise from the Most High God is something special. We would be tempted to believe that that type of praise would only be showered upon a nearly perfect person with the best relationship with God. However, a look at David’s life would show us anything but perfection. He was a flawed man, yet God honoured him. What we can learn from David is his faith and commitment to following the Lord. As often as he failed God, he sought and received the Lord’s forgiveness. This is what set him apart.
No! The people around us whose relationship with God we admire do not always have it together in their walk with Christ. Like David, we all go through ups and downs in our relationship with God. Sometimes we may fail God and feel disconnected from Him. Do not pull away. Seek His forgiveness. He knows you could be better. That’s why He sent His son to die so we can be forgiven. It is a gift from God. Receive it!
It is important to hold onto God even more in these situations, so we do not slip away. The Word of God says in 1 Peter 5:8, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Lions are hard-wired to attack the weak. Do not allow yourself to become the devil’s prey. Hold on to God. He will give you strength.
Sometimes we may feel stagnated like God is not hearing us, even when we may be pouring out our all and doing what is required. God is always listening. He hears and sees all of our outpourings. Don’t stop! Continue to pour out your heart to God. You will find Him. When we are consistent in doing the things God requires of us, without fail, our God in heaven ALWAYS reciprocates. He says in His Word in Jeremiah 29:13, “If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” This is a promise, and God always fulfils His promises. 2 Chronicles 16:9 says, “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.”
Yes! You can be just like the people you admire, but you must keep your eyes on Christ. He will reveal Himself, and you will reap His rewards. Continue your walk. God is no man’s debtor! His Word says in John 15:7, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” I urge you to continue your walk in Christ. Slacken, not your riding!
