Today we begin a new series where we look at who God is. Is our concept of God growing every day? More importantly, is our relationship with Him dynamic and life giving?
God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8. Yet because He is infinite there is always more about Him, His character, and His ways to know and discover.
Do you wrestle with God? I find “wrestling” with Him to be an important part of my journey and growth. Early on in my walk with God I think that I approached God like the 4 year-old child who wrestles with his Dad. The child has the joy of pinning his dad and is excited that he has arrived at a new level. Now when I wrestle with God, there is a holy fear, wonder, and awe that can be fun and terrifying at the same time.
It reminds me of the quote from C.S. Lewis in the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe when Susan asks if Aslan is safe. Mr. Beaver replies, “Who said anything about safe? Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.” This is the same paradox we have with God. He invites us into an intimate relationship with Him, the All-Consuming Fire.
There are so many passages and words we could start with and dive into that reveal an aspect of God’s character. However, one that sticks out to me is Ex. 34:6, “The Lord passed before him (Moses) and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” This is God’s declaration about Himself! And this passage or variations of it is repeated multiple times throughout the Old Testament.
Do you believe that God is always loving? I do. It is who He is (I John 4:8), not just something He does. But while we believe that, we must ask some tough questions about His character. And in the wrestling we may or may not find an answer, or at least not an answer we like. What I do hope we all find is intimacy and trust . . .two important dynamics in any relationship.
This week join me in praying this prayer that my friend Steve Sizemore encouraged me to pray years ago, “God remove every false concept I have of You and replace it with the truth.”
