There have been times in my life when I haven't believed in God. But somehow God has always brought me back to himself. How this happens is I think through the invitation of God. He continually invites us into relationship with him. In my unbelief I always stumble upon one of these "invitations" and can't help but respond.
Jesus is one of these invitations. If we study his life and sayings, his behaviour. What he says and does is so extraordinary that it stands out that he is quite unlike any other prophet that ever lived. This is because he ministers to us as God among us. His ministry goes beyond that of prophet. He is messiah, king, Son of God, teacher, revolutionary all rolled nto one.
Other invitations can from friends or family or circumstances of our life. One musician was converted when he was gazing at a painting in a church. Somehow God chose that moment to break through.
We are told in the psalms "the fool has said in his heart there is no God." This seems harsh in some ways. But I think that depends on how we think about it. My feeling is that it means that we are a fool to deprive ourselves of the good that true faith in God can bring into our lives. What good do we do ourselves to deny God a chance to speak into our life. Especially if when he does come near he brings good gifts which enrich our love.
The words of one of Jesus followers always stick in my memory as a kind of prayer of belief and praise.
Simon Peter, says to Jesus "Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. And now we believe and know that you are the Holy One who has come from God." John 6:68-69 GNT
Dear Lord, I pray that I may see your invitations to me and respond. Your presence can rescue me from despair and bring me into fullness of life.
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