Intimacy is a buzz word these days. It has also become synonymous with sexual intimacy. That is not the direction I intend to go today. I want to explore a non-physical relationship that has a sense of closeness, companionship and friendship to it. At the same time there is respect, two way respect, with an understanding of purpose around shared objectives. Along with respect there is reverence in a combination of awe struck wonder of our Creator’s raw power and unconditional love.
I have learned from experience, with baby steps at first, to trust the one who made me. And I am still learning. Before I could trust I needed to gather some information about this God of the Bible. Josh McDowell provided factual information birthed from his personal journey through skepticism for me to learn more. I also watched others who already knew Jesus as Savior and Lord. The ones I met were not judgmental, but encouraging and fun. Fun was and is a key factor for me in any relationship.
The fun with other followers of Jesus as well as time reading the Bible, allowing our Creator to speak to me through the Word, began to develop our relationship. I started to have conversations with God in prayer. At first the Bible was His side of the conversation and “prayer” was mine. As I got to know the Word, character and ways of our Creator I began enter deeper in relationship. Conversation became more natural and free flowing. Creator’s Holy Spirit knew where to lead me in the Word. As I read, portions seemed highlighted, as if it was written just for me.
Somewhere along the line the outward adventures began. I started to “step out” testing and trusting the promises in the Word. Maybe I heeded a nudge to talk to others about my new relationship. Eventually I led a bible study. Before long I was on a summer project with other university students from around the USA. We lived and worked together as we shared our faith with others. Every time I trusted a little more and found Creator faithful to keep the promises from the Word.
Fast forward 45 years and I have experienced a lot of life’s bumps and bruises, having God adventures on five continents. Some of the lessons I have learned have hurt. But I am in the process of becoming more and more like Jesus. Considering I had little resemblance to begin with, no wonder it hurt at times. A lot is being chiseled off, but being more like Jesus is worth the process.
I would never trade the process or this relationship for anything. Creator never promised life would be easy or always fun. The promises revolve around His presence and relationship, yes the intimacy with God.
Just like He promised Joshua after Moses died, God has kept His charge and promise to me. “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 Leaning on that kind of promise is just one example of how intimacy is built in any relationship, even and especially with the Creator of all things. Yes really!
I would love to hear what has drawn you to God, or what you think you need to draw closer to our Creator.
