7/19 Jumping off the fence with both feet planted in Christian Foundations!
Ever had this conversation with someone – or even yourself? “So how can you be so sure, Susanne that there is a God? How do you know for sure?”
In our logical rational world, we can always find answers for everything. Right? Cause and effect? A + B always equals …. C? That may have left me logically satisfied but something deeper was needed. I remember how hard it was in my early days, trying to follow this Jesus and what the Holy Spirit was teaching me. I battled with doubt and all the physical realities around me. “Was there a God? How do you know?”
I was particularly bothered with this doubt one cold winter’s day in Oregon where I grew up so I went for a walk. I cried out to this supposedly all knowing God “If you are there, just give me a hint, a sign!” In His mercy, He answered. Off to my right, a beautiful eagle rose and flew in grand circles above me for several minutes. It was the answer to my Heart’s cry!
… but then I had to do something to make this solid. I declared out load that day “Whether I know 100% that there is a God, I am going to act like I believe it!” I chose that day to jump off the fence, with both feet into the side of the road that proclaimed “I am a total Jesus Follower!” Out of that decision, I was water baptised and even when on to Bible College for two years. It has been 54 years ago now.
As the years have gone by and the lessons of life have been faced by Jesus’ principles, I know that I know He does exist and that He is 100% for us and not waiting with that big stick to make us follow Him. I have faced battles I would never have dreamed of as that young Christian … and know the faithfulness of a loving Father. I stepped from being a slave into that of being a servant that day.
My personal growth has not always been ‘a straight arrow to the top’. There have been quite a few dark valleys and fantastic mountaintops along the way…. But I know that He is there as I have walked this path. I even returned to my own ‘Pig Pen’ experience and it took me 10 years to get back where I knew I needed to be with the Lord.
If this post touches something deep inside you, no matter where you are on your journey, please know that real growth happens when we jump off the fence and into choosing to believe. Then He will make His presence known … not the other way around. Why He chose to show me the way He did was what I needed at the time. However, many people have to make the choice and then He shows His hand.
Where ever you are in your growth, may this post be an encouragement to continue on your walk with the Lord. Please don’t believe the enemy’s lies and turn away from His path. There is a God who loves you and there is no other way but through the ‘fires of refinement’ to walk this journey. Just remember you are being prepared for eternity in this earthy battlefield!
Susanne Fengler, Blog Author
www.christianfoundations.jesus-treeoflife.info
Tags: jumging into the kingdom
Filed under: From Slave to Sonship, Series #1: Being a Jesus Follower
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