Encouragement

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I know whom I believe

For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 2Timothy 1:12

Certain situations and circumstances are bound to arise in life that unless we possess real knowledge of the person and power of God, we may find it very difficult to survive. In such challenging moments, what keeps us afloat is not the testimonies of others about God’s power or doings, but a personal experience of God’s person, power and greatness in our own lives. The effect of this personal experiential knowledge of the person and power of the Almighty God is permanently with us and effectively becomes the anchor that holds our soul when everything else fails or crumbles.

Job was a man that knew much afflictions and sorrows in every sense of it. The terrors of hell were indeed let loose on him and in the process he lost everything – his children, Business Empire, wealth, health, fame, position and influence. However, in the midst of these fierce trials and terrible afflictions, Job did not lose hope; his heart did not sink. Something held him up firmly – the knowledge of who God is. Listen to what he said ‘For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at last He will stand upon the earth’ Job 19:25. It was his knowledge of God through personal experience and deep relationship that made him stand until the very end.

Apostle Paul also had an experience similar to that of Job as stated in the passage quoted above in which he related what he went through in the ministry to Timothy – his spiritual son - a young pastor. Paul in his journey with God passed through a lot of challenges and difficult moments, but in the midst of them all, he also declared ‘I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 2Timothy 1:12.

How did these people know? How did they get this persuasion and firm assurance that kept them going in the midst of storms? It is apparent that they had personally experienced God in such a way that His person, greatness and power were real to them beyond any reasonable doubt.

Many of us have heard so many wonderful things about God, but these may not be sufficient to sustain us unless we have personally made the choice to experience Him through consistent daily walk and communion. For instance, if two persons are asked to describe an event that just took place, the chance is there that the person who was physically present at the scene of the incident would give a clear and vivid account of the incident than the other fellow who did not see by himself but had the incident reported to him by someone else. It is also like that in our walk with God. We cannot build our lives on the experience of others or their dealings with God. We must seek to know Him personally and be eager to experience Him in deeper dimension.

God revealed Himself to the saints of old in some special ways which made them call Him certain names based on their experiences. God revealed Himself as Jehovah Jireh [The Provider], Jehovah Rapha [The Healer], Jehovah Shabaoth [The Lord of Hosts], Jehovah Gibboar [The Almighty God] etc. God is limitless and awesome but a closer walk with Him will make Him more real to us and release His grace and strength over our lives. If we know God as Jehovah Rapha, no sickness or diseases can rule over our lives; if we know God as Jehovah Jireh, we will never lack; if we know God as Jehovah Rohi [The Shepherd], we would never resist His leading and guidance in our lives. No wonder why Apostle Paul prayed ‘That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection’
Knowing Him and the power of His resurrection is all we need to live a victorious life as believers. When we know Him and the power of His resurrection deeply, then we will be able to say:
‘Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
For we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose Romans 8:35,37, & 28;

Shalom.

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