Some Thoughts About Life and Faith

I’m not the brightest person.  And that is ok.

What I mean is that I am not the sharpest person, intellectually speaking, that you will meet.  What others see easily, I struggle to understand.  It has been that way my whole life.  Eventually I get there, but it takes me time to process the information and be able to perceive it.

I am not saying that I am dumb and have nothing to offer.  Perhaps the easiest way to illustrate my point is to say that both my wife and my mother have one thing in common.  They both criticize me in the same way.

No, they are not critical people.  Both are brilliantly smart and have a level of common sense that carries them well.  But they are both able to identify my weaknesses and from time to time will share that weakness with me.  I understand that I will never outsmart them and I am ok with that.  I don’t have to be the smartest nor do I have to be better than them.  I am glad that I married up and that I was raised by such an intelligent mother.  Both are strong women and I am grateful for them.

I Simply Want to Know

I know I am not alone in the assessment of my smarts.  We are all different even though we are all the same.  We may see life through different filters but each of us has something to offer.  As the Scriptures point out, “the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” Romans 11:29

Which brings me to my point.

I accepted Jesus Christ when I was 22 years old.  At age 23, I committed my life to Christ.  After my eyes were opened to the truth and life in Jesus Christ, I craved one thing.

My heart’s desire was to have great faith in Jesus Christ.  To know Him and see His hand moving in my life and the lives around me was more important than anything else, which caused many things in my life to diminish in value.  Being the smartest was one of those things.

I am not speaking for anyone else.  You can be radiantly intelligent and have a vibrant faith.  What I am saying is that for me, Jeff, my needs are relatively simple.  I simply want to know who Jesus Christ is and be able to identify His hand at work in the world.

Comprehend the Magnitude

As a young Christian, a number of us were sitting around a large table at church one day when the pastor asked each of us what we wanted most from life.  Of the 15 or so people there, I was the only one to share a wish to have a deep faith in Jesus Christ.  I do not remember what anyone else said, but I do remember each was thoughtful and discerning in their desires.  That day is a good memory.

Looking back over my life I am able to see that God granted my wish from that gathering those 40 years ago.  I have never been more convinced of the truth and reality of Jesus Christ.  Through my ups and downs, I have found a God who is perfect in His Being, perfect in His ways and gives me literally far more than I deserve.

I have also discovered that He is absolutely more loving and forgiving than anyone could possibly imagine.  You will never find anyone who loves you, treasures you, understands you, forgives you, and cares for you more than Jesus Christ.

There is a singular truth I have seen.  When someone meets Jesus Christ and their eyes see Him who dwells beyond this mortal life, there is a realization of deepest intimacy in the greatness of God.  Each person finally sees and understands there is truly a bigger picture than just this life.   As they begin to comprehend the magnitude of that knowledge, they are in awe of God and all He does and has been doing in their lives and in the world.

He Loves You Intensely

I want to encourage you.

You are so much more than the sum of your life’s activities.  God created you in His image because He wants the best for you.  He wants to call you “friend” and show you things you will never see here on earth.

Have you ever had a big brother, big sister, or best friend who was always looking out for you, loving you and making sure you were safe?  That is a hint of who Jesus Christ is.  The difference is that Jesus Christ is greater than all our friends combined and it is He who sent those dear people into our lives.  He is the source of life.

If you know who Jesus Christ is but you feel He has been distant in your life lately, take some time today to sit at His feet, reading His word and pondering the works He has done for you.  Share your deepest thoughts with Him.  You will walk away from that time with a peace that surpasses all understanding.

If you do not yet know Jesus Christ then I want to tell you that He loves you intensely and wants you with Him when this life is over.  Ask Him to open your eyes and allow you to see who He is.  He will be your best friend, forever, if you let Him.