Searching for God can be described as a journey. Many people who have walked it before will tell you that it is more than just a journey its an adventure. In the Bible we see many journeys taking place by different people at various times. However there are two that I wish to draw your attention too. One is the Damascus road that saw Saul dramatically converted to the Apostle Paul (Acts Chapter 9). Paul was able to turn from persecuting God to worshipping him in a dramatic, blinding light experience when the scales literally fell of his eyes. The other is the road to Emmaus (Luke Chapter 24). After Jesus rose from the dead he joined some of his disciples on a journey. The disciples who knew Jesus well had travelled a distance with him before their eyes where opened and they recognised him.
Journeys are important and whether you find yourself on the Damascus or the Emmaus road (metaphorically speaking) is neither here nor there. What is important is that you are searching for God and that you are journeying with him. So how does the bible teach us to find peace with God. Here are some simple steps for your journey:
STEP ONE
Realise that God loves you and has an amazing plan for your life.
The bible says
‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.’
John 3:16
Jesus says
‘The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.’
John 10:10
STEP TWO
Recognise that there is broken relationship between you and God because you haven’t always done things that pleased him. The bible calls that sin.
‘All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.’
Romans 3:23
Even when we try to put things right we can’t do so on our own.
‘The wages of sin are death…..’
Romans 6:23
STEP THREE
Realise that there is hope. Even though your sin deserves punishment, Jesus has stepped in.
‘…..but the gift of God is eternal life’
Romans 6:23
Jesus died in your place so that you could have a relationship with God forever.
‘God demonstrates his love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Jesus died for us.’
Romans 5:8
Jesus says ‘I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’
John 14:6
Jesus walked this earth and died on a cross for your sin. Yet he did not remain dead. He rose from the grave and is alive and well today.
STEP FOUR
Recognise that you can’t do this alone and that you cannot earn your own salvation. That it is by the grace of God and the forgiving sacrifice of Jesus that you can journey with God in a way that brings life, wholeness and peace.
So what do you need to do?
- Recognise your need of God.
- Realise your sin separates you from him.
- Recognise that Jesus paid the punishment for your sin.
- Realise that you need to turn away from your old ways.
- Recognise that it is the condition of your heart that God is most interested in.
- Realise that God has an amazing adventure planned as you journey with him.
Sometimes people find it hard to put this into words. Can I suggest praying this prayer:
‘Lord Jesus, I am sorry for the things I have done wrong. I come to you seeking that you would forgive me as I step away from the things that are wrong and turn to face you. Thank you for dying on the cross for me to set me free from my sin. I thank you that by your Holy Spirit I am invited to journey with you. Please come and walk with me and fill me a fresh with the power of your Spirit. Thank you Jesus. Amen’
If you prayed this prayer we would love to connect with you and offer you some free resources to help you on your journey. Please get in touch with us and let’s celebrate the adventure together.