Years ago, I attended a mainstream Christian Church and a Messianic Congregation on the front range of Colorado—I did not find God. Though I went through the motions and thought I was trying, I recognize now that my heart wasn’t truly repentant and couldn’t find the relationship promised by our Mighty Creator. Disillusioned, I placed all my biblical books in a black leather bag, closed the hasp, and withdrew my “pursuit” of God.
Years went by as I lived in the world system of life. One day, I heard a voice call out to me—the voice was outside myself, not my own. The voice said, “Open the Bag.” I hesitated, remembering all the disappointment of watching others I perceived in a relationship with Him and feeling like the outcast.
Days passed, and I heard this voice again, “Open the Bag.” Reluctantly, I responded, “You didn’t want me; I didn’t understand your Word; Why would it be different now?”
I fought the overwhelming urge to open the bag; instead, I cried to God, “If you promise to reveal Yourself to me and teach me the truth about You, I’ll open the bag.” Terrified and unsure of the outcome, I surrendered to the desire and opened the bag.
Ever since that day, I have spent every possible moment reading and studying God’s Word cover to cover. I have searched for concepts, and doctrinal philosophies previously taught and have yet to find them in the Scriptures.
My life changed when God pursued me; I have never been the same. I was wrong in feeling like an outcast. Over time, God fulfilled His part of the agreement; He taught me the truth about Himself and His ways and has answered many of my questions. I FOUND HIM, or more accurately—HE FOUND ME; either way, I LOVE HIM. You should too.
I would ask you the same question I had to ask myself, “Do you truly want to know God?” If so, start your journey in Genesis, and end in Revelation. Do not hold onto any preconceived ideology—Let God reveal Himself to you.
Nate Gill