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In any great relationship, there are times of joy and there are times of pain. Through both of those emotions, the chance to grow closer to your spouse is unquestionable. Granted, it’s easier to grow closer when everything is sunshine and roses. But even in our suffering we don’t fail to recognise the intimacy we’ve shared with the ones we love.
In our walk with Jesus, God allows events to happen in our lives that give us the opportunity to see the Lord and what He is doing in us in unique and special ways. Though we know He is always with us, there are times we see Him more clearly, sense Him more closely, and know Him more intimately than at other times. Jesus chooses to move in our lives and reveal Himself in unmistakable and glorious ways. And those times are special and give us the opportunity to truly draw near to God. But it’s up to us to cherish these moments when they arrive.
Whether in laughter or through tears, do you treasure intimacy with God? You should. But, there will be times when that intimacy is much more noticeable. And, in those moments, we must step up our game and follow him even more closely. So we don’t miss out, let’s peek into some of God’s most treasured moments with us.
At Salvation:
Anytime that someone comes to know Jesus in a personal way, experience the forgiveness of sin, and start a new life in Christ, it is a beautiful and miraculous event. Think back to when you experienced Christ in salvation. Wasn’t that a wonderful thing that God accomplished in your life? For Saul, later renamed Paul, it looked like this:
“As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. Acts 9:3-5, NIV
Saul’s life was forever changed because he had a spiritual encounter with the resurrected Christ. Those events that start our Christian walk are amazing as we see Jesus for who He truly is. But, what do we do once that happens? What kind of commitment do we make to the one who saved us from ourselves? Saul went from being a murderous threat to the body of Christ to becoming one of its foremost leaders. He immediately got up and followed the path Jesus stretched out before him without fear or regret.
In the day of your salvation, when love of God is fresh in your heart, choose the kind of intimacy that allows you to follow Jesus, unfettered, without fear or regret.
Everyday Walk with Jesus:
In our normal walk with the Lord, Jesus can also show up in unexpected and remarkable ways. We might be going through a normal day and, as we walk around the corner of normalcy, we come face to face with Jesus doing something amazing. For Peter, James, and John, it looked like this:
“After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.” (Matthew 17:1-3, NIV)
At the Transfiguration, Peter, James, and John experienced a new kind of Jesus. Not only was this moment different and memorable, it was intimate. The glory of the Lord was revealed to them…just the three of them. How often does that happen? Jesus picks you, out of…millions? And He lets you in on some spiritually personal details that should transform your life forever. So, does it?
When God shows up and allows you to experience His glory of the Lord embrace it and let it draw you to an even more intimate walk with Christ. Follow him to the mountain top if need be. Follow Him to the ends of the earth if that’s where he takes you. But don’t ignore Him. When you decide to walk intimately with God each day, understand that your life will change every day. Your heart will soften every day. Your courage will grow every day. And the path He has planned out for you will be made clear every day. All you have to do is follow Him.
