Many years ago I went through a life-changing bible study group called Experiencing God. Before then I had struggled many years with knowing and doing God’s will. I hadn’t grasped the Principles that scripture reveals to us that guide us into the perfect and exciting relationship with God. I have taken most of the material in this article from Henry Blackaby and present it today as we journey deeper into our relationship with God.
1. God is Always at Work Around You
John 5:17: “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.”
Principle: Recognize that God is continuously active in the world and in your life. Be attentive to His actions and invitations to join Him in His work.
2. God Pursues a Continuing Love Relationship with You that is Real and Personal
Matthew 22:37: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.”
Principle: God desires a deep, loving relationship with each person. Cultivate this relationship through prayer, worship, and obedience.
3. God Invites You to Become Involved with Him in His Work
Matthew 4:19: “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Principle: God calls you to participate in His mission. Respond to His invitations and be willing to join in His work, using your unique gifts and talents.
4. God Speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, Prayer, Circumstances, and the Church to Reveal Himself, His Purposes, and His Ways
John 14:26: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”
Principle: Discern God’s voice through various means. Stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and seek confirmation through Scripture, prayer, circumstances, and the counsel of other believers.
5. God’s Invitation for You to Work with Him Always Leads You to a Crisis of Belief that Requires Faith and Action
Hebrews 11:6: “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
Principle: Accept that following God will often challenge your faith and require decisive action. Trust in God’s character and step out in faith, even when it’s difficult.
6. You Must Make Major Adjustments in Your Life to Join God in What He is Doing
Luke 14:33: “So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.”
Principle: Be prepared to make significant changes in your life to align with God’s will. This could involve adjustments in your priorities, relationships, and commitments.
7. You Come to Know God by Experience as You Obey Him, and He Accomplishes His Work through You
John 14:21: “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”
Principle: Deepen your relationship with God through obedience. As you follow His commands and live out His will, you will experience His presence and power in your life.
Questions for Reflection
- How have you seen God at work in your life recently?
- In what ways can you deepen your love relationship with God?
- Are there areas in your life where you sense God inviting you to join His work?
- How do you discern God’s voice in your daily life?
- What steps of faith is God calling you to take right now?
- What major adjustments might you need to make to align with God’s will?
- How have you experienced God’s presence and power through obedience?