What value or worth do you place on knowing God? What are you willing to sacrifice to be able to know God? Or to testify of Him? Is getting out of bed 30 minutes early too much? What if to spread His word you would have to give up a prestigious position or drive the same old car? Is that too much? Or what if, to really know God; you struggle with chronic illness or pain? In some parts of the world, to know God and to testify of Him could mean you are imprisoned, you and your family tortured, or you could be forced to watch as your family are slain before your eyes. But if you really know God, can you keep silent? Holding the most precious treasure in your hands, how can you not want to share?
Here in the United States, we take it all for granted. We want the blessings, the counterfeit joys, prosperity and comfort; yet, we are not willing to even give God 10 minutes of our time, unless of course there is something we want from Him. But, what about just sitting at His feet; to know Him? Down through history, God’s prophets, preachers, and even His own son willingly suffered and died that we might know Him and the power of His might, that we might know His love, His joy, and His hope in a chaotic world hell bent on denying Him. So, what is it worth to you to know God? Is it worth getting up early or turning off the TV? Is it worth suffering, to know God as your greatest treasure? He may not ask you to give it all up; but, what if He does?
TO KNOW GOD
Read through the Old Testament Prophets and you will not find God saying, “Go testify of me and the people will love you, prosperity will follow you, and all your life will be easy.” No, indeed! Instead, He told them, “The people will hate you. You will lose even that which you love most. At times, you will go hungry or face severe trials. They will lock you up, beat you, and mock you; but, I will be your strength.” Would you say, “Sign me up!” Yet they faithfully followed Him; even if, that meant a lifetime of weeping. Why? Because to know God was worth it all. Even Jonah, willingly wrote his story of rebellion and anger; so, the nation of Israel would see their foolish rebellion. He knew this would bring him humiliation and discredit him as a prophet; but, it would bring God Glory.
Furthermore, it is no different in the New Testament. The apostles were beaten, tortured, and killed because they spread the Gospel of Christ. Yet, they thought it worth it all to know God and His son, Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ, King of Kings thought it worth leaving His throne to come to earth, suffer and die; that we might be able to know God in all His Glory.
SCRIPTURES
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:24-26)
Thus, saith the Lord, ‘Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight,’ saith the Lord. (Jeremiah 9:23-24).
But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ (Philippians 3:7-8)
As unknown, and yet well known; … dying, and, behold, we live; …chastened, and not killed; As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; … poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things (2 Corinthians 6:9-10)
CONCLUDING THOUGHT
To know God, what is it worth to you?
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.
OR ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?
If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here or comment here
JUST RELEASED
You can find this and all my books on Amazon.com, search Effie Darlene Barba or click this link to be taken there
Recently released Books Available
ABIDING, STEADFAST JOY
A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.
WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”
Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.
You may click on the picture for more information on either of these books.
OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE
If you want to know more about other books I have written: You can read more about each one at: Book Resources.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Credits and Footnotes
Photo by Andrew Gook on Unsplash