What Will It Take?

"But now my eyes see You. Therefore I abhor myself…" (Job 42:5-6)

David realized this when he begged for the Lord’s forgiveness. He was growing old, sickly, and feeble without the presence of God in his life. Isaiah exclaimed, "Woe is me" when he experienced just a glimpse of the holiness of God. Job also realizes here how small and frail a man is before God. These three men all share one significant occurrence. They had a personal experience and relationship with Almighty God!
Many today have heard of God. Many know He exists. Even more realize that He is in control of the world and its destiny. Millions pray, sing, and speak His praises. But how many experience Him and really have a personal relationship with Him? How many know there is a god as opposed to those who know God? What will it take to know God as Lord, Savior, Deliverer, Rock, Fortress, Friend, Counselor, and Father…Abba…my eternal, loving, forgiving, patient, jealous, and holy DADDY? What will it take for it to be personal?

As Job experienced, hardship causes us to appreciate things more. We become humble. Our eyes are opened to see things as they truly are. Life changes when God intervenes! When we lose our health, our relationships, our possessions, perhaps even family members as Job did, we see God in a different light. We know we are really out of control and in His hands! God also intervenes in positive ways; as in a pay raise, a successful year in school, wonderful health, a new home, an unexpected sale at the store, a new friendship, a beautiful sunny day. Do we experience these things and change our perspective of God as well, or do we believe we orchestrated all these things?
It doesn’t have to be what we consider a negative intervention from God to get us to really know to Him. When Job first experienced his hardships, he fell down and worshipped the Lord. Obviously this was not the first time he worshipped God. He had a relationship with The God of the universe. He recognized all things come from Him, not just a few things. In his heart, he knew God. Our attitude in life is based on our perspective of God. Who is He…really? We must answer that for ourselves. Good times come and bad times will come. God is the same despite the circumstances. The better we know Him, the happier, the more blessed, the holier we become!
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." (Matthew 5:8)