A Call to Faith and Transformation
Thirty years ago, I started on a path that was both exciting and uncertain. I wanted to know God—not just know about Him, but truly know Him. To understand His power, His love, and His purpose. At the time, I didn’t realize how this journey would shape every part of my life. I began by reading the Bible, studying, and praying relentlessly. Yet, I often asked myself, “Can anyone really know God?” This question led me to an even deeper desire to seek His voice and His will for my life.
What It Means to Know God
Knowing God isn’t about just attending church or memorizing verses. It’s a relationship. It’s hearing that still, small voice in your spirit guiding you, comforting you, and sometimes challenging you to grow. Revelation 4:1 says, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” While I may not have experienced the visions John had, I’ve had moments where I’ve felt called to a higher understanding, moments that have transformed how I see life.
But knowing God does not make life free from struggle. Sometimes, I fall short, and life’s disappointments weigh heavily. However, I’ve found that God’s grace is sufficient. It lifts me, restores me, and reminds me that everything I’ve lost doesn’t compare to the richness of knowing Him. Paul’s words in Philippians 3:7-10 resonate deeply: “What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” Paul knew that true treasure is found in a relationship with Christ, not in the fleeting successes or failures of this world.
The Challenge of Today
Today, as I watch the world around me, my heart aches. Many people who profess to follow Christ don’t seem to truly know Him. Our faith, as a church, often feels shallow. We speak of God, but we don’t always live in His truth. Our prayers are often superficial, and our actions don’t always reflect His love. Hatred, division, and misunderstanding have crept into our hearts, tarnishing the church’s witness.
Scripture warns us about the dangers of being led astray. Colossians 2:8 says, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy.” Yet, too often, the church has been influenced by the world—politics, prosperity messages, and personal agendas have overshadowed the simple truth of the Gospel. This is a critical time for the church. God is calling us to change, to turn back to Him, and to live as true reflections of His love.
The Cost of Knowing God
There’s a price to pay for truly knowing God. It’s not an easy road. Laurie Wilkes, in her book *The Costly Anointing*, writes about the testing and struggles that come with following God. She says, “Over and over, they have chosen the narrower and lonelier of the two roads. Yet nothing can compare with the priceless treasure they possess.”
To know God deeply means surrendering our comfort, our pride, and sometimes even our relationships. It means walking a path that others may not understand, but it also means experiencing the power of His presence in ways we could never imagine.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
When Jesus left this earth, He didn’t leave us with just a book of instructions. He gave us the Holy Spirit, our Counselor and Guide. John 14:26 says, “The Holy Spirit…will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” While books and sermons can be helpful, there’s nothing like the personal guidance of the Holy Spirit. He leads us in truth, helps us bear spiritual fruit, and empowers us to carry out God’s work.
The anointing of the Holy Spirit is what breaks the chains of bondage in our lives and in the lives of others. Isaiah 10:27 says, “The yoke will be broken because of the anointing oil.” It is this anointing that allows us to preach the Gospel, heal the brokenhearted, and set the oppressed free. Without the Holy Spirit, our efforts are in vain. But with Him, we can accomplish the impossible.
A Call to Change
God is asking His people to change. He’s calling us to lay down our old ways and step into a new season of faith, obedience, and transformation. This change isn’t easy. It requires us to confront our own shortcomings, let go of our pride, and submit to His will. Malachi 3:3 speaks of a refining process: “He will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver.” This refining can be uncomfortable, but it’s necessary for us to become vessels of His glory.
In this hour of spiritual warfare, the church must rise up. We are called to be a prophetic people, a people who discern the times and act according to God’s will. This means setting aside our personal agendas, our political affiliations, and our cultural biases. It means seeking unity—not a compromise with one another, but a unity in Christ, guided by His Spirit.
Living as a People After God’s Own Heart
To know God is to live as a people after His own heart. This requires humility, faith, and a willingness to be used by Him. The church doesn’t need more buildings or programs. It needs Spirit-filled believers who are willing to step out in faith, speak the truth, and love unconditionally.
This is a time for us to return to the basics of our faith: loving God, loving others, and walking in obedience to His Word. It’s a time to be vessels of His new wine, as soft and pliable as clay in the hands of the Potter. If we resist, we risk breaking under the weight of what He is pouring out. But if we yield, we will be filled with His Spirit and empowered to do His work.
The Ultimate Provision: Grace
Above all, we must remember that God’s grace is sufficient. No matter how far we’ve strayed, no matter how broken we feel, His grace is enough to restore us. It is His grace that calls us, equips us, and sustains us. And it is His grace that will carry us through the challenges of this life into the fullness of His presence.
As Paul said in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This is the hope we hold onto. This is the truth we proclaim. And this is the life we are called to live—as people who know their God.
May we all find the strength we need in times of challenge and uncertainty, and may our hearts be filled with a deep and lasting peace. Let kindness guide our actions, and let hope be the foundation of our days. Together, we can walk forward with courage and serenity, knowing that blessings of strength and peace are always within reach.
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 