Want to know God?

First Baptist Church, Athens

All of us encounter difficulties during our journeys through life. Sometimes the obstacles are large, and other times, the problems are small. Nonetheless challenges come. It is even possible for us to feel so deeply burdened that we wonder whether we can continue.

Permit me to offer a few suggestions from a fellow struggler, which may be helpful the next time you face “the wall.”

Undeniable evidence verifies your personal value. Do you doubt your worth? You shouldn’t. Just for starters, look at your hand. It is an amazing instrument. Look at what your hand can do. Examine the remarkable usefulness of the appendage located conveniently at the end of your arm. Turn it over and over. Think of all it has done and can do. I told you it was amazing.

How much is your hand worth? $1,000? Perhaps $2,000 or $3,000 or $4,000? Wouldn’t the word “priceless” be an appropriate value to place on that phenomenal tool? Well, yes, but “so what,” you may say. What does my hand have to do with issues I face in life?

Fellow pilgrim, be aware that there is more — so much more. You are not only a body; you are also a spiritual being. And you have a mind with which you can reason and dream. All in all, while you may face many challenges and sometimes the difficulties seem to be overwhelming, you have some astounding possessions in and on you as a person.

To be completely honest with you, however, I must point out that the biggest problem any of us face is actually the basis of all our problems. We have sinned. Sin separates us from God now, and unless it is dealt with, sin will separate us from God forever.

The good news I have for you today is this: Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, died on the cross for your sin. He was buried. He arose from the grave. He is alive. He has paid the price for all your sin. If you turn away from your sin and ask Him into your life, then He will forgive you and restore you to a right relationship with God.

Dear friend, that will get you going and keep you going when you think you can’t.