Seeking God: Anyone can do it!

Friends,

Last week, a friend of mine came to the house to hang out. In his hands, he was carrying a present. My initial thought was that he had brought a gift for my son (as he was celebrating his fifth birthday). As he handed it to me, my eyes glanced at the writing on the outside of the package. It read,

“James – thanks for being a great friend!”

I’m so sentimental, I didn’t even care what was under the wrapping paper. Just the message alone touched my heart. As I removed the wrapping paper, I discovered a wall hanging with a cross and some Scripture. It read,

“And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who honestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

I’ve been meditating on this Scripture for about a week now. My heart’s desire is to be a man of God.

“But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord has commanded you.” 1 Samuel 13:14 (NKJV)

“…a man after His own heart” This is what I think of when I picture a man of God. Of course, Samuel was referring to David. As you know, David was far from perfect. He was an adulterer and murderer.

Let me side-track for a minute. I came across this some time ago and always reflect on it when I start to feel God can’t use me.

Noah was a drunk
Abraham was too old
Isaac was a daydreamer
Jacob was a liar
Leah was ugly
Joseph was abused
Moses had a stuttering problem
Gideon was afraid
Samson had long hair and was a womanizer
Rahab was a prostitute
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
David had an affair and was a murderer
Elijah was suicidal
Isaiah preached naked
Jonah ran from God
Naomi was a widow
Job went bankrupt
Peter denied Christ
The Disciples fell asleep while praying
Martha worried about everything
The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once
Zaccheus was too small
Paul was too religious
Timothy had an ulcer... AND
Lazarus was dead!

Can you relate to any of these people? God has no problem using you – no matter what your circumstances. There was only one person with no sin and perfect relationships. Jesus was truly righteous to everyone and Peter denied him (three times) and Judas betrayed him.

How do you seek God? Let’s look at what Moses says to his people.

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (NIV)

I know I’ve really had to seek God this week with a myriad of things. Satan has tried to snare me in my health, finances and relationships.

“The thief comes only in order to steal, kill and destroy. I have come in order that you might have life – life in all its fullness.” John 10:10 (GN)

Yes, the enemy is real and will try to make you stumble, but here’s the good news: The enemy has no new tricks and our God is much more powerful!

Last week, I was put in several situations where I had to interact with total strangers. These introductions ranged from work to church. I then realized how dependent upon God I’ve become. Before each encounter, I prayed and meditated on this piece of Scripture:

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5 (NIV)

What a good and faithful God we serve.

In Christ,

James