WHY WOULD GOD RUN TO YOU?

The funny thing about common sense is that it does not lead you closer to God. Actually, if we rely on our own understanding as humans with a sinful nature, we will either move away from God or “design” our own god that accommodates us. That is why we depend on the authority of the Bible to give us a foundational perspective of who God is and how He relates to us.

In describing the Kingdom of God, Jesus teaches a parable about a Father and his two sons (Luke 15). The young son (who represents some of us) is rebellious, disrespectful, and self-gratifying. The older son (who represents some of us too) is resentful and selfish. The Father, of course, represents God.

When the young son reaches the bottom of his pleasure seeking life-style his soul is so miserable that his only choice is to return to his father, accept his punishment and hopefully become a servant. This is his common sense at work.

What actually happens is counter-intuitive. He finds grace. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him, (Luke 15:20).

The older son reacts to the reunion with common sense by resenting his brother and grumbling. But he also encounters grace. "'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours, (Luke 15:31).

Why would God run to you? Why would God say, “you are always with me”?
It takes more than common sense to believe that this is true and you can know His grace. No matter if you have squandered your life or if something valuable has been taken from you. When you turn to God, He will run to you.

Here are some other Bible passages which depict the value God places on you:
• God goes to great lengths to find you – Luke 15:3-10
• God will even rescue you and your loved ones – 1 Samuel 17:34-37
• God has done this for us since the beginning – Genesis 3:8-9
• God promises to be found – Jeremiah 29:13

Don’t trust your common sense when it comes to trusting God. Lean on Him to give you a revelation through the Bible and in your heart. “For this is what the high and lofty One says — he who lives forever, whose name is holy: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite, (Isaiah 57:15).

In other words, the High Priest of Heaven desires to be the High Priest of your heart. That might not make sense, but it is the grace worth seeking.

How to Trust in Jesus

The first thing about exploring faith in God is to stop trying so hard. Many people try to comprehend God first, then believe. Or, they may try to “feel” God or try to get him to answer a prayer as a sign. The problem with these attempts is that they are based on the limitations of the human soul. It’s like trying to get a tan in Seattle. You know the sun is up there somewhere but the clouds block the ability to feel or receive the heat and light. But with regard to faith in God, you can remove the clouds of doubt and then understanding and knowledge of Him will start reaching your soul. Believing in Jesus Christ is a combination of intellectual faith and soul faith. And, to be honest, you won’t “get it” until you let the Holy Spirit have some access to your soul.

Here are the basic faith steps to try:
• Give doubt and skepticism a rest. (John 14:1-7)
• Choose to take a step of faith. (Jeremiah 29:11-13)
• You have to believe that God exists. (Hebrews 11:6)
• Accept the fact that God is interested in you. (Isaiah 57:15)
• Acknowledge that human nature without God is corruptible. (John 3:16-21)
• Ask God for wisdom and insight. (James 1:5 and Ephesians 1:17-18)
• Invite God to make Himself known in your soul. (Ephesians 1:13, Luke 11:9-13)

God will answer a genuine prayer. Please comment below if you have any questions.
Pastor Mike Henry