Answers

By   •   April 21, 2015   •   Topics: ,

Q:

I hear people talk about having a personal relationship with God, but I don't understand what they mean. I believe in God, but I can't say I feel like I'm particularly friendly with Him.


A:

Not only is it possible to have a close personal relationship with God, but He actually wants it to happen! Abraham was a man of great faith, and as a result “he was called God’s friend” (James 2:23). Jesus said to His followers, “You are my friends” (John 15:14).

Think of it this way. I note from your letter that you’re married. How did you get to know your husband? Perhaps you’d heard of him before you actually met, or possibly someone introduced you. But whatever the situation, at first you only knew he existed; you didn’t really know him. Then you spent time together and your relationship grew. Eventually, you committed your life to him in marriage, and since then (I trust) your relationship has grown even deeper. Now, you not only believe he exists but you also have a close personal relationship with him.

This is how it is with God. Yes, you believe He exists, and that’s good. But it’s only the first step. Now, He invites you to discover who He is and how much He loves you through the pages of His Word, the Bible. Then, He invites you to commit your life to Jesus Christ by asking Him to come into your life.

But that isn’t the end, either! Every day, you can turn to God in prayer and hear Him speaking to you through His Word. Your relationship can grow also with the help of other believers. Don’t delay, but open your heart to Christ, and then learn to walk with Him every day.

Learn what it means to walk with Jesus >>