As a young pastor, I would sometimes go over to my friend Ron’s house, and we’d sit on the back patio by his pool, with questions pouring out of us like the little waterfall connected to the pool. Questions about Jesus, life, sin, church, the Bible, and doctrine. I wish I could say I had great and profound answers. Mostly we just dared to open our hearts and talk. And God blessed our conversations.
So there we were, talking about God, and Ron could be just Ron. He wasn’t someone trying to impress people at work. We were just two friends thinking and talking.
Sanctification happens through your heart and your mind. God responds to your concentration. Once Ron had begun to trust God’s grace, he just naturally started searching it out and talking about it—kicking ideas around in his head. He had lots of ideas and lots of questions. When people do that, God’s Spirit can connect with them in powerful, moving ways!
Sure, life can still hurt. Struggles, doubts, and fears still abound. But when you trust grace and dig down deep with God, you’ll find he is there with you. He will get into your head. He will help you get things straightened out.
I am a pastor, and I totally believe in church. But in addition to that we all need a quiet, peaceful, trusted place to think and talk about God.
When I am full of questions, Lord, come to me with your words, ideas, and thoughts. Lead me, guide me, bless me. In Jesus, Amen.
About the author — Keith Mannes
Keith Mannes serves as pastor at Highland Christian Reformed Church in McBain, Michigan. Keith and his wife, Alicia, recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary,
and they are thankful for their three children—Eben, Charis, and Breanna.
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