1 John 1:1-4

|
"What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we beheld and our hands handled, concerning the Word of Life -- and the life was manifested, and we have seen and bear witness and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us -- what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, that you also may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write, so that our joy may be made complete." 1 John 1:1-4 NIV



I have a friend that has had many struggles over the last few years with knowing whether or not God is real. She grew up with a father that is an athiest and heard for many, many years that God is not real. God does not exist.

When I first met her, she was at a point in her life where she had begun questioning if this was really true. She was in a bad marriage, she and her husband had many financial issues, and she was beginning to see that her youngest daughter had some serious mental and emotional issues. She was looking for someone or something that she could turn to for support. Someone to whom she could cry and shout and scream to in the most difficult of times. Someone that she could trust to be with her day in and day out -- through the good and the bad. Someone she could count on.... ALWAYS.

Since that time, we have had many conversations about God. Is He real? If He is real, why does He allow bad things to happen? How can I know that He is REALLY there for me? We have had many discussions about God. And many times, about matters that do not necessarily have easy answers. I have found that in being her friend and sharing her questions and doubts that I have grown stronger in the Lord. And, praise the Lord, she has grown also. She has since accepted the Lord as her Savior and strives to live her life for Him. Unfortunately, she still faces many difficulties in her home and family life on a daily basis. However, she now does so with God in her life. She seeks His help and His guidance. She knows He loves her and that she can pour her heart out to Him.

In looking back, I wish that early on I would have suggested she read the book of 1 John. This book is a wonderful telling of a God that is VERY REAL. In these first few verses, John tells us that God is real... and he should know, he experienced first hand the teachings of Jesus, the healing of Jesus, the love of Jesus. John was able to be in His presence while Jesus was on this Earth. Can you even imagine what that must have been like? I am just in awe when I think about it. The experience of walking with Jesus, seeing Jesus, touching Jesus.

But, wait... we are able to walk with Jesus. Maybe not in the exact same way that John did... we can't physically touch Jesus and we can't physically see Jesus. But, we can have a relationship with Him. We can fellowship with Him. And someday, we will see Jesus and we will touch Jesus when we join Him in our heavenly home.

As Christians, this is what we should desire. A relationship and a fellowship with God. We should seek Him out daily. By doing so, we will see that our God is very REAL. We will see that our God can and will fulfill our every need. We have the promise that we will see Him and touch Him in one sweet day when we join Him in heaven.


7 Thoughts Shared:

Jen&Carter said...

Great post. I to struggle with my faith and have trouble understanding why God lets bad things and situations happen to those that love him. I know that he is testing us, and that he never gives us to much that he thinks we can't handle. Thanks you for being a blessing to me today.

Tricia said...

I join you in being thankful that we have a Lord & Savior, and a God who is very real and very personal! Praise Him!!

Technonana said...

I have a book for you!! Our church just finished the series on 3:16 THE NUMBERS OF HOPE, by Max Lucado, it's very good book and speaks volumes to us about the love of God!!!

Tracy said...

Melanie, this is a great post and incredibly timely for me. One of the teens girls in our youth group has begun seeking me out for support. She has a number of struggles, both mental and health-related. Her home life is very unsettled and she's seemingly overwhelmed by everything right now. I feel so completely inadequate to try and minister to her needs. I continually ask the Lord to help me share with her that which she needs most on a given day. This is a great reminder of His presence with me in my efforts to reach out and help her. Thank you!

Blessings,
Tracy

Nancie said...

Melanie,

Thank you for sharing this encouraging portion with us. Praise God for leading your friend to trust in Him and for using you as such an instrument of blessing to her.

We serve a living Saviour. It is so wonderful to know that He is with us daily and will give us grace and strength to walk with Him as we look to Him daily.

Take care and God bless.

Kim@Seasons of My Heart said...

Melanie~
What a great post!

God has BEEN speaking to me A LOT lately about how he LONGS for us to LOVE him...with such a love....that causes us to think about him ALL the time.

I don't want to know my Jesus as just a friend.....but rather as someone I TRULY love...and cannot wait to spend time with!!

Have a BLESSED DAY.

Kim~

Anonymous said...

Thanks for that link Melanie! that was the one I was looking for! the invisible mom!!!
God Bless!