I’ve been a follower of Jesus Christ for many years. He is the person I look up to the most, but fully trusting Him as my Lord and Savior has only happened about a decade ago. I know He lives in Heaven and has the power and authority to give me (and you) eternal life. It’s second nature to me now, yet while I was running yesterday I had a thought about how I misunderstood faith for many years, and how this same mistake in thinking may be holding others back, too.
I thought by believing in Jesus I’d automatically fully trust Him with my life; that I’d suddenly become unshakable in trials and have the peace and joy He often spoke of. However, I still struggled greatly. Why? Well, I’ve come to realize there is a critical element of faith that is more than belief: knowing Him. Does that sound ridiculous, or redundant? I think it does, but only from a superficial stand point, but to me, this is precisely the reason so many of us struggle daily. I think it was my main problem for years. I believed in Him, but I didn’t trust Him and had no lasting peace or strength in my life simply because I didn’t really know Him well.
But then something happened as I began to study the Bible more and spend some time praying: I heard Him speak and felt His presence. I began to know Him more personally, and in doing so, began to trust Him more with my life. I now have that peace and rest He offers, even when life hits the fan! I’m not saying I’m perfect or I won’t have times I fall short, but I’ve fully embraced that to really find the peace and rest I desire in my life, I must personally know Him and not only believe in Him.
If you’re struggling in your daily life to have peace despite believing in Jesus, then may I suggest getting to know Him better. Read the “red letters” of the gospels. Spend time away from the phone and other distractions to talk with Him. You won’t be disappointed.
“And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” John 17:3, ESV.
