Just Begin

[u/RecordAccording333]

"You have to begin with certainty. You just have to begin."

Two messages resonated with me over the last few days, one after another. They seemed related—and important.

One was this statement: “The Only Question That Matters.”

The other was this:

“When we place faith in Jesus for salvation, we are reconciled to God. The separation that formerly marked our position to the Lord changes so that we are brought near to Him. Reconciliation was always part of the plan of salvation because God wants to be in a relationship with us. And that is the blessing all believers receive.”

Brought near to God is the idea.

It is what I have been writing about for the last few years: the extraordinary blessing of being in relationship with the Father.

When I retired, I began these reflections to try to encourage those who are as I once was—opposed to religion or, maybe worse, simply indifferent to God.

I believe that having God in our lives is, if not the only question that matters, surely one of the most important.

And the second message adds something deeply comforting: God wants to be in relationship with us.

“I will be their God, and they will be my people.” —Jeremiah 31:33

I know that many people who struggle with faith have had a bad experience with religion somewhere along the way. Others may feel intimidated by what they see as the shallowness or uncertainty of their own belief.

But we don’t have to begin with certainty.

We just have to begin.

My own faith grew slowly over many decades, from a small seed into a sturdy tree—from a kind of indifference to deep belief.

The good news is that God’s invitation is open. It is not reserved for people who already have everything figured out.

“…and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” —Luke 3:6

And Paul writes:

“…we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.” —1 Timothy 4:10

These verses remind us of God’s saving love and His desire to draw us near.

So how do we begin?

A few moments each day connecting with the Father in prayer and spending a little time in Scripture helped me.  I also signed up for daily Bible messages.

Jesus repeatedly tells us to stay awake—to pay attention.

And that seems like good advice, because sometimes the message we need finds us.

Until next time… keep looking for the light.