Is
there anybody out there?
Are
you a seeker? A seeker can be defined as someone who really
wants to know the truth about God. Jesus indicated that it's good to
be a seeker. He said, "Seek and you will
find." (Recorded in Matthew, chapter 7, verse 7)
We
all seek for meaning and purpose in life.
We all encounter it– that feeling that something’s missing.
It’s an almost indefinable restlessness, a spiritual yearning.
What are you looking for?
Many people just aren’t sure what it is, or what will fill the void,
but they know they want something more.
Some will look almost anywhere to find it– human relationships,
material wealth, or a vast number of other things.
It has been said that the deepest longings of the human heart can be
traced back to God.
Yet, ironically, many people soon come to realize that even religion is
an inadequate and empty means of finding purpose in life or relating to God.
In religion, we see man’s attempt to categorize certain views about
God, to reach God or please Him somehow, or to find fulfillment through mystical
means. In
itself, religion, no matter where it’s found, tends to lead to disappointment,
disillusionment, and distraction from what is essential.
The Bible says that the only way to find hope and fulfillment in life is
by following Jesus Christ and by developing your relationships with God and with
other people.
Jesus Himself said, "My purpose is to give life in all of its
fullness."
(Recorded in John, chapter 10, verse 10)
Often
people are interested in God because they want Him to change their circumstances
or make them happy.
They may feel that if God is there, He should prevent them from
experiencing unhappiness in life.
After all, life can be tough.
In fact, many people reject God because of painful experiences in their
past. But
even believers– although they often speak of experiencing greater joy, peace
and fulfillment–
would also acknowledge difficult times.
The Bible is the book that tells us about God– and us.
As you read it, you may be surprised to find out how much He has already
done for us. And
there’s more that He wants to do in your life.
Others
fear the changes that God may want to make in their lives.
It is true that we should "count the cost" of following Him.
But there is a cost in not following Him as well. Don’t let fear of
change or fear of commitment keep you from the truth.
The Bible tells us that God wants us enjoy a relationship with Him in
this life and that He has a wonderful plan (purpose) for us.
God loves you deeply and will accept you where you are.
But He also loves you too much to leave you there.
There
are those who approach God only on an intellectual basis.
They feel that humans have the choice to "figure out" God,
study Him or dismiss Him, but that He has no personal relevance in their own
lives. In
truth, God is relevant to everyone.
Every person must come to terms with Him– on His terms.
God is much more than just an idea.
He is the One who knows you and wants to be involved with you at the very
core of your life.
Sometimes when people say they have intellectual reasons for denying the
Bible or God Himself, it may be that they are not willing to look at themselves
and let go of some things that they know offend God.
On
the other hand, you may have very legitimate questions about God and the
Bible.
You have the right to ask these questions and to benefit from informed
answers. But
remember: You don’t have to have every question answered right away.
In other words, you don’t have to know everything in order to
know what you need to know.
There’s probably no end to the questions you could ask, but don’t let
your questions or objections get in the way.
In fact, you may always have questions, and you may not always have every
question answered to your complete satisfaction, but there comes a point when
you must decide whether you will trust God or not.
Decide that you will seek answers about God and the Bible for a certain
time, but then attempt to reach an appropriate conclusion to your search.
Then take the appropriate action based on that decision.
Be honest and open‑minded.
Just be sure you are searching in the right places, and asking the right
questions. For
instance, talk to people who have a genuine relationship with God– people who
demonstrate their love for Him and who live by His principles. Ask them what
they believe and why.
And ask God to help you in your search.
Ask Him to guard you from being misled, or from giving up.
He is able to help you.
Some
may ask, why bother with God at all?
God matters, because you matter
to God. And
that being the case, wouldn’t it stand to reason that life without Him is only
a shadow of what it could be?
The
story has been told about a man making his way through the desert who came upon
an old hand pump.
He had no water, and by this time was very thirsty.
Next to the pump was a sealed jar and a note that instructed whoever came
along to pour the little bit of water into the pump to prime it, and then
they’d have plenty of water.
If
you were that man, what would you do?
Would you drink the small amount of water in the jar or risk pouring it
into the pump in hopes of much more?
Ask yourself those questions with your life in view.
Then
consider the following:
Is
the life you’ve known enough for you?
Are you willing to take the risk that there’s nothing more?
Spiritually speaking, are you willing to risk your own survival by
letting this life slip away without finding out? Or
will you recognize that there’s more to life than what you’ve experienced
and take a step of faith to discover the truth?
Those who honestly seek God on His terms are not disappointed:
"If you look for Me in earnest, you will find Me when you seek Me."
(Jeremiah,
chapter 29, verse 13)
"Ask and you will receive.
Search, and you will find.
Knock, and the door will be opened for you.
Everyone who asks will receive.
Everyone who searches will find.
And the door will be opened for everyone who knocks."
