There was a time in my life when I wanted to find God. I wanted to know about Him. And I wanted to actually know Him. Looking back at those days, I'd say, I knew I needed to look for God, I had an idea about where to find Him, but I didn't search hard to find Him. I had gone to the church when I needed God most but I didn't find Him there. What I came away with was a sad and lonely emptiness, an understanding that I was all alone. But there was one important place in the church that I dared not go.
I had tried to learn about who God was from the Bible, but some things seemed contradictory, and I came away from my reading with more questions than answers about who God is. And yet, there was some hope that came out of spending time reading words inspired by God. I prayed. But no voice split the sky and shook my world, no appearance of Jesus came to console me. I didn't get it, and I thought, "if God really exists and actually loves me, why was it that only one of us was trying to get a relationship going?
From the Scriptures, I read several assuring things about seeking God and finding Him. I was doing my part. So where was He? If you are in this place right now, I have very good news for you. You are not alone. As I said, I have gone through this search for God myself. So I can help you with this. Where is God? He is closer than you may think. How would you like to be in a place where you can be with our Lord face to face? Let me share one special place of grace with you.
Even if you think that nobody truly loves you, and even if it is true, God does love you. God's Word assures us that if we seek Him, we will find Him. If you haven't yet found Him, try harder, look deeper, and don't give up. He isn't playing a wicked game, He is demonstrating His love. He is allowing you your free will, and it is only you who can overcome that battle. Are you the one in charge and wanting a god who conforms to your will, or are you going to humble yourself and throw yourself upon God's mercy?
Do not blame God for your suffering. He permits every person to have a free will, including those who do evil to the innocent. We tend to think that since bad things have happened to us, God doesn't care. Actually, it is just the opposite. In God's wisdom, He takes what was meant for our destruction and uses it for our good. And it is truly amazing what He can do with us and in us, transforming us more day by day to be more Christlike, as we allow Him to heal us.
Or perhaps you are of the camp who feels unworthy of God and this causes you to keep your distance from God. God is loving, merciful, and forgiving. Reach out for Him believing that no matter what you have done, He will rush out to you with open arms to welcome you to Himself. Do not think of yourself and your sinfulness, but think of Him, believing that he will accept you. He would be very glad to pick you up and dust you off and embrace you in a joyous welcome. Run to Him, your Heavenly Father awaits you.
Going to Confession will help you gain a better perspective about how God operates in our lives. Our Christian faith is one of reconciliation. God is waiting for you. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is awesome and powerful. Graces come from this Catholic Sacrament that help us to avoid temptation, to overcome trials, to become more virtuous in our thoughts and actions. Have you experienced God's forgiveness lately? The priest in the confessional stands in the place of Jesus, our Lord, who works through him forgiving you of all your sins. Humble yourself and be obedient in talking to a priest about your sins. To be cleansed from sin is a beautiful and liberating thing. And who does this for us? Jesus, Himself. And you thought you couldn't find God.
I had tried to learn about who God was from the Bible, but some things seemed contradictory, and I came away from my reading with more questions than answers about who God is. And yet, there was some hope that came out of spending time reading words inspired by God. I prayed. But no voice split the sky and shook my world, no appearance of Jesus came to console me. I didn't get it, and I thought, "if God really exists and actually loves me, why was it that only one of us was trying to get a relationship going?
From the Scriptures, I read several assuring things about seeking God and finding Him. I was doing my part. So where was He? If you are in this place right now, I have very good news for you. You are not alone. As I said, I have gone through this search for God myself. So I can help you with this. Where is God? He is closer than you may think. How would you like to be in a place where you can be with our Lord face to face? Let me share one special place of grace with you.
Do not blame God for your suffering. He permits every person to have a free will, including those who do evil to the innocent. We tend to think that since bad things have happened to us, God doesn't care. Actually, it is just the opposite. In God's wisdom, He takes what was meant for our destruction and uses it for our good. And it is truly amazing what He can do with us and in us, transforming us more day by day to be more Christlike, as we allow Him to heal us.
Or perhaps you are of the camp who feels unworthy of God and this causes you to keep your distance from God. God is loving, merciful, and forgiving. Reach out for Him believing that no matter what you have done, He will rush out to you with open arms to welcome you to Himself. Do not think of yourself and your sinfulness, but think of Him, believing that he will accept you. He would be very glad to pick you up and dust you off and embrace you in a joyous welcome. Run to Him, your Heavenly Father awaits you.
Going to Confession will help you gain a better perspective about how God operates in our lives. Our Christian faith is one of reconciliation. God is waiting for you. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is awesome and powerful. Graces come from this Catholic Sacrament that help us to avoid temptation, to overcome trials, to become more virtuous in our thoughts and actions. Have you experienced God's forgiveness lately? The priest in the confessional stands in the place of Jesus, our Lord, who works through him forgiving you of all your sins. Humble yourself and be obedient in talking to a priest about your sins. To be cleansed from sin is a beautiful and liberating thing. And who does this for us? Jesus, Himself. And you thought you couldn't find God.
