To Turn To God?

We read a lot in The Bible about "Turning" to God.
For some of us turning to God will be a slowerprocess than for others. We each, when called by God are given an opportunity to accept Him and then a measure of Faith when we do, either much or little or of some amount of faith anyway.

For those of us who are weaker in Faith, try to think of "Turning" to God somewhat like trying to turn a large ocean liner at sea going full speed. It takes time for that ship (Us) to turn around. Like the Titanic, we try to turn ourselves around (Like we are in control!) while going too fast, but we only have a very small rudder (Our Faith or Will). And, if we are such kind of people who have lived long in sinful ways we too can (And usually do) hit the Ice berg and sink. But, if we slow down, even a small rudder can slowly help turn us around back to God.

I've been such a person much of my life. It has taken me a very long time, and I still feel I'm turning. The point is to just begin. Take time to slow down and draw near to God and He will draw near to you. He will turn you around in His time and His way with Jesus at the helm if you let Him.

Remember that old story about "The Tortoise and the Hare"? (I believe it was a Aesop's Fable long ago). Do you remember (If you read it) who won the race? Slow and steady Turtle won and he didn't let Rabbit or anyone else stop him with their jokes and criticisms about him. Well, being a Christian to me is a lot like that story!

Now, I do not want to sound flippant or boastful. But, the fact is, that I can't help what I write about. I really do not even like to write! But, I have to do it. I avoid writing at almost any cost, but for me, I know it is The Holy Spirit making me write. He is like a giant that bursts into my home, grabs hold of me  and forces me to write. It's kind of like that old joke that says, "When you dance with a Gorilla you don't stop until the Gorilla is done dancing." So, likewise, The Holy Spirit is a lot like that Gorilla for me when writing.

Also, rarely do member's of God's true Family grow up under the same roof. Even Jesus' half-Brothers, James and Jude and it seems none of his Half-Sisters (But the Bible doesn't really say about them) and even His Step-Father and His Mother Mary didn't quite understand Him for a long time. Later, His Mother Mary and James and Jude believed He was the Christ. But, while Jesus walked the earth among that generation no one really fully believed him much. Even His disciples has doubts of His Divinity.

Jesus spent His life on earth misunderstood, doubted, rejected and friendless by people. Most of the people just wanted something from Him in a material way, like a miracle, food, healing or rescue from the Roman's. Some did believe, but would not do what He said (Like Nicodemus) for fear of public disapproval. From what I read only John, one of the twelve really loved Him. He was the only one present at the crucifixion (Along with His Mother Mary and Mary Magdalene it seems).

So are you feeling lost? Desperate? Don't know what to do? Empty inside when you look into your mirror? Do you feel like God isn't answering your prayers and He seems distant? I hear that a lot.

Well, welcome to our World of the Church of Christ! We are only human now and this earth is not our home. All men and women throughout the history of the Holy Bible Scriptures have felt and asked these kinds of "Why" questions. We are no different, in fact, we are right where God wants us to be for now and feeling and having troubles as He decides necessary to purify us and reward us later. We are already SAVED! Please do not forget that! (John 3:16). But, trouble is OFTEN the Way toward The Kingdom of God. So, don't think you are being picked on! You are being made perfect (In fact, God already sees you as perfect in Heaven). What God began He WILL finish! And it is GOOD! You may not like the way you are or feel or do or say or think or anything about what you are going through right now. And you may not even understand it at all (I know I don't). But, remember, Jesus above anyone or anything has already suffered more than we can imagine to rescue, redeem and save us. He can turn your ship around and make even your present existence better.

PATIENCE is important. Perseverance is important in spite of seemingly real appearances that all is not well. Reach down deep within yourself and TRUST that God IS leading you to a fantastic future! That is a FACT! Hold on to that. Abraham was over one-hundred years old when God called him. Moses was around 80. Just read what they accomplished and they were pretty human too. Made awful mistakes too! But, in God's sight they were (As we are) righteous because of their Faith in Him. And God always showed up eventually and blessed them all. He will you also.

So, do not worry it only cause you and other's harm. Jesus will (And has) save you and turn your ship back to the Father God (Maybe it's even sinking like He did for His disciples on the Sea of Galilee during that storm way back then). In Fact, He already did save you 2000 years ago, but you may not yet know it! Stay close in prayer, trust and obey Him and your life and yes, your suffering, will have a future and a hope and a meaning and purpose!