I have struggled with this for a while now but have had no answers! I've been a Christian since I was 8 and remember talking to God with what I can only describe as a child-like faith. I love reading about God and love gaining knowledge in different areas of Christianity and in many ways I consider this worship; but I really feel that I lack that 'heart' knowledge. I know Jesus is alive and the facts all make sense but I rarely, if at all, have that experience of God that many talk about. I love reading the Bible but find prayer more difficult despite talking to God for ages when I was a kid. If only I could get that child-like quality back.
I know I need to spend more time in quiet prayer; listening rather than talking but I'm finding this increasingly difficult when my mind keeps wandering and I do too much. In typical Kelly fashion I have even read a book on listening to God - but can I do it? No!
What do people mean when they say they know Jesus is alive because they had a conversation with Him this morning?! Am I missing something or has God been talking to me all along? I believe that God does talk to me through sermons, the books I read, the Bible and people I meet and talk to but is this all there is?
Answers on a postcard please...
I think I deserve a medal for being the most frequent commenter!
ReplyDeleteFirstly, I'm so glad you have this blog, such an encouragement, it really is!
Secondly, I've never been able to pray that well. I haven't been a christian for that long (quarter of what you have been) but listening to God, talking to Him. Never a strong point. I to have read books on it, done studies aimed at addressing the directly and it just doesn't work.
The way I see it is, Children have a different type of faith from us, and from my work in church/Spring Harvest with children, you can tell they all have very different relationships with God. I think it's exactly the same with adults (we just want to fit in and want the same kind for affirmation) some people can pray, some people can worship, some people can teach, some people can evangelise. It's just gifts God has/hasn't blessed us with.
I hear God through other people. When they all start saying the same thing with out tlakign to each other, or even knowing each other, makes me wonder about it being a conincidence or not. My significant other (shed kill me for naming her) feels a pulling one way o t'other from within.
We are all different, and God realises that. As long as you are alive for Him, and do your best. He'll be "Well pleased" with ya.
Wouldnt worry too much, I'm useles at praying!
I can't let S have all the fun, so I better comment.
ReplyDeleteI think it is very easy for people to say that they have experienced God, Not only are you young, you are a young Christian, S slightly younger and me even younger and therefore like with age comes experience. Its good that we are young, as again, like the young we gain knowledge quickly. We also argue the battle experience and knowledge everyday, and quite often go for knowledge to then gain the expereince. Does this then mean that mature people who are younger Chritians havn't experienced God no, but it does put into light and question that have they experienced becuase they were doing something wrong and were not relying on knowledge equally. A parent will stop a child from burning themselves if they are touching a flame, knowledge would provide that understanding but i wonder how many people would still touch the flame, and like a parent, and being the highest parent, God with give you an experience to balance your knowledge.
If you don't think you are listening properly, or havn't heard anything, could this be that you are doing things correctly?? I have experienced like S said the coincidental talking, I have also experienced a lot that has meant that I need to take action. An example being Facing our Giants, one of my giants is my health, i hear the sermon and think wow thats interesting, the next day in a secondhand bookshop find a book, Facing our giants. Have i read it yet? No, am i meaning to yes, but i still havn't and whilst i'm struggling with my health it makes sense that its there, coincidence no, God yes, i know i will learn something fantastic through the experience of reading it, and it'll be something i probably already knew but needed reminding of, that again will balance my knowledge and experince and will allow me to grow.
So maybe your doing everything for your purpose and therefor not needing that helping hand.
Well said both of you!
ReplyDeleteI think I value certain experiences over others, which is maybe why I think I haven't experienced anything. This also came up in my Alpha group and know that other people think this too which is very encouraging. I think I compare myself to others way too much and actually if I think about it carefully I have experienced God in many ways - through sermons, people, reading the Bible and through prayer. I have learnt that prayer will never start off easily, just like a conversation with a stranger will not start off easily. I need to spend time with God, making sure I listen as well as talk.