The God Who Calls

Aren’t you grateful God didn’t leave it up to you to find Him? I know God is everywhere all the time, but honestly, sometimes it’s hard for me to see Him. But He never has a problem seeing me, and He’s always reaching out to me with love – not because I deserve it, but because He is a God who seeks!

Before God spoke the first word of creation, He knew humanity would reject and crucify Him. Yet love compelled Him to prepare an entire universe for His crowning creation: man, made in His image. The entire universe came with just one restriction: don’t eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

That one restriction was a path into paradise for the fallen angel Lucifer, who intentionally mesmerized humanity by instilling doubt about God and promising glory for man. With the first nibble of disobedience, innocent goodness evaporated. Fear, shame, and insecurity instantly shattered God’s design for humanity. Immediately, Adam and Eve wanted to hide. They sought covering for their nakedness – and from the presence of God.

“Where are you?” called their Creator, and Adam replied, “I was afraid because I was naked.” To which God asked, “Who have you been listening to and did you disobey me?” (Genesis 3:9-11).

Those questions echo through time … with God asking those same questions of you and me today. His questions are always an invitation – never an accusation – because His desire never changes. He created you to be close to Him, completely covered by His love. God’s questions point us to our original design and destiny!

Where Are You?

Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? (Jeremiah 23:24 ESV).

There are really only two paths in life: faith or fear. Let’s face it, fear has been ruling the world for the last few years in the form of COVID, economic issues, social unrest, and more. We are not designed to live in fear. Fear is a tool to help us in times of heightened danger, but as an ongoing emotion, it compromises our immune systems, creates illness, and robs us of mental clarity. Where are you – walking in faith or hiding in fear?

Who Have You Been Listening To?

Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly (Psalm 85:8 ESV).

Adam said he hid because he was naked – and God instantly knew the enemy had been putting ideas into Adam’s mind. Thoughts are a real thing, and they always have a source. You can figure out the root of a thought by examining its fruit (i.e., emotions or actions). If your actions produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, or self-control, you are listening to your loving Designer. Otherwise, you can bet that your flesh or the devil is leading you astray.

Did You Disobey Me?

Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart (2 Timothy 2:22 NASB).

God’s final question goes directly to the heart of the matter – life itself. Because our Holy God is a consuming fire, you can’t be in His presence covered in sin without being destroyed. With this question, God encourages you to evaluate your actions and turn to life! The passionate love of God pursues you and guides you to abundant living. His arms are wide open – and He beckons you to run to Him without fear. He’s seeking you!