Devotional – Her Purpose… Her Passion

The internet is a groundbreaking invention that has changed the world forever. Those of us alive today may never be able to imagine life without internet access; Some of us who were born before the age of the wired telephone, and colour television know how quickly the human race can advance and the world we live in can change beyond recognition.

Change is inevitable; for this reason, the woman who is a Queen at heart will water The Seed of Purpose planted within heart, and make fulfilling this purpose her passion. In looking at change and growth from a spiritual perspective, we can turn to the Bible to explore progress and change by the power of God.

The book of Genesis shares the story of the creation of man, and his relationship with God. Further, we read about the fall of man due to sin; then again of God’s response to the disappointment He feels because of the evil deeds committed by mankind. He is pleased with Noah, who is faithful and lives uprightly, so He instructed to make an ark that would save him and his family from impending disaster.

These events represent progress of God’s revelation of His nature, will and purpose. In giving thought to how the story unfolds, one may conclude that God is not as good as we would want Him to be. We may ask the question, how could He permit the death of His children by a disaster? What about Noah, what would be his opinion of a God Who spoke to Him, giving specific instructions to build the ark that saved the lives of his family?

Today’s devotional topic is Getting God. As women of faith living in a world where technology is vastly advanced, we also want our understanding of God to continue to expand in a way that gives us greater clarity about Who God truly is, and why He is the way He is. We should desire to know the nature and character of our Maker, so that we are able to relate to Him in faith, and with confidence -in essence, we should want to Get God– so we can answer the question: Who is God at His core?

My personal desire to know and understand God better led me to purchase a copy of a book that changed my life forever: The Power of the Praying Woman, by: Stormie Omartian. I read this book over fifteen years ago, and as often as is necessary I go back over it when I need to reinforce the powerful lessons it teaches. The book has thirty-one life transforming chapters; I truly believe that every woman should make the investment to read and digest the content of this anointed resource.

In Chapter 1, titled: Lord, Draw Me into a Closer Walk with You. Stormie shares her experience of being abused, practicing unfulfilling rituals and being part of unsatisfying religions. Eventually, her life is transformed by the power of the God; she has quite a moving testimony. In reading the chapter, I could not forget the words that were the catalyst that kept me reading chapter after chapter. These were the words:

“He is the one true, living God. And when we find Him and receive Him, His Spirit comes to dwell in us. By the power of His Holy Spirit, He transforms us from the inside out, and miraculously change our circumstances and our lives.

I also learned that He is a God Who can be found. A God Who can be known. A God Who wants to be close to us. That’s why He is called Immanuel, which means: God with us. But, He draws close to us as we draw close to Him (St. James 4:8)

The Power of the Praying Woman, by Stormie Omartian- Page 24

This for me was my aha moment. I thought to myself: “God can be known, and He desires for me to know Him”. So I proceeded to draw close to God, and I can report that Stormie was right. In drawing close to God, He does draw close to you. As Daughter of the King, it is so important that we willingly challenge ourselves to want God more than anything else in the world. As the Scripture tells us, this hunger and thirsting after righteousness will cause us to be filled with all good things – those that money cannot buy. (St. Matthew 5:6)

So what is all this about Getting God? It is about having the ability to understand our Creator in a way that makes it possible, and comfortable to relate to Him. If I may share; my personal quest has taught me an invaluable lesson- if I am to Get God – to know and understand Him, then I must be prepared to accept Him for Who He is. What caused me to come to such a conclusion? The word of God, as revealed to Isaiah:

Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten Him, and who taught Him the right way? Who was it that taught Him knowledge, or showed Him the path of understanding?

Isaiah 40:14

This Scripture tells of God’s Sovereignty; He is Who He is and will not change.

The sovereignty of God is the fact that He is the Lord over creation; as sovereign, He exercises his rule. This rule is exercised through God’s authority as king, His control over all things, and His presence with His covenantal people and throughout His creation.

The Sovereignty of God, An Essay by John F Frame

We’ve heard, and possibly used the phrase: “God is God all by Himself”. I have come to appreciate this truth about our King – He is love, and does not change – He cannot help Himself, as expressed by: (Teisha Nelson-Watson); He is from everlasting to everlasting. Wouldn’t you love to know a person of this nature and character? I’m sure you do; especially because you would be able to have total confidence that He will be Who you expect Him to be. This is the awesomeness of Getting God.

The Apostle Paul was an anointed servant of God; from his personal encounters with God. he learned that Getting God meant accepting Him as Sovereign. He was careful to teach the Gentiles by the power of the Holy Spirit how to truly learn about God, and enjoy the blessings He bestows; through Timothy, Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus:

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

2 Timothy 2:15

In Getting God, we would see results if in the same way that we stay abreast of technological advancements, we also strive to know more, and more about God. As we download the most recent apps on our phones; we can also think about receiving the most current spiritual download of Who God wants to reveal Himself to be. Getting God involves allowing Him to get within your heart to teach, direct and lead you in the way of life. This requires investing time and effort Sitting Around in His presence. As you draw close to Him, He will draw close to you; and as time passes and your spiritual journey unfolds, you can be confident that you will Get God.

In this season, allow your spirit to yearn for more of God, so much so that your prayers will be inspired by the Scripture at Isaiah 26:9