How Getting to Know God Changes Everything
Have you ever wondered what it really means to “know God”? Not just to know about Him, but to actually have a relationship with Him—like you would with a close friend or family member? That’s the journey I found myself on many years ago, and it’s been the adventure of a lifetime. I want to share some simple thoughts and stories from my own experience, hoping it might encourage you to pursue your own relationship with God.
Why Knowing God Matters
There’s a powerful verse in the Bible: “The people who know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” (Daniel 11:32) It’s saying that true strength and the courage to do amazing things comes not just from believing in God, but actually knowing Him personally.
But what does it look like to know God? Is it just reading about Him? Or praying? Or following rules? For me, it was much more than that—it became the central purpose of my life.
My Quest to Know God
Years ago, I made a decision: I wanted to know God, whatever it took. That meant studying the Bible, talking to God in prayer, learning from Jesus, and trying to listen to the Holy Spirit. Along the way, a few books made a big difference: Knowing God by J. I. Packer, Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God by Henry T. Blackaby and Claude V. King
This book helped me go deeper in my understanding of God. It explained that knowing God isn’t just for religious leaders or “theologians.” It’s for anyone who’s genuinely curious and open.
One quote from Packer’s book stuck with me: If someone was dropped in a new city without any idea how things worked, it would be confusing and overwhelming. Trying to live life without knowing God is like that—we end up stumbling around, feeling lost. But when we learn who God is, we start to understand life and our place in it.
It’s About Relationship, Not Just Facts
Think about it this way: you can know a lot about a celebrity—where they live, what they eat, their favorite hobbies—without ever actually meeting them. But to be friends, you have to spend time together. It’s the same with God. Learning facts is just the beginning; what changes your life is building a relationship.
How do you do that? It’s simple, but powerful:
· Spend time reading the Bible. It’s like God’s letter to us.
· Talk to God about what’s on your heart. Prayer doesn’t have to be fancy—just honest.
· Worship and thank God, even for small things.
· Meet with other people who are on the same journey. We learn together.
What I Learned from “Knowing God”
“Knowing God” was written over four decades ago, but its message is timeless. The book explains God’s character—His love, grace, justice, and faithfulness. It asks, “What difference does all this make for someone who claims to follow Jesus?”
Packer’s main point is that ignoring God leads to confusion, emptiness, and a lack of direction. But if we get to know God, we gain wisdom, hope, and a purpose bigger than ourselves.
Pursuing God Changes Us
The Apostle Paul wrote about his own desire to know Jesus above all else: “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings…” (Philippians 3:8-11). Paul gave up a lot, but he realized nothing compared to truly knowing Jesus.
For me, knowing God hasn’t always been easy. There have been tough times—hills and valleys. But through it all, I’ve experienced God’s love holding me up when I felt weak or lost. The more I got to know God, the more I saw that He’s a Father to the fatherless, a helper to anyone who feels alone, and someone who brings people together into a family (see Psalm 68:5-10).
It’s Not Just for “Special” People
Sometimes we think only certain people—those in the Bible or spiritual leaders—can really know God. But throughout history, God has reached out to people from every background. The key is simply being open and willing to know Him.
If you find yourself getting comfortable and complacent, maybe it’s time for a fresh start. God loves to draw close to those who seek Him honestly.
The Adventure Continues
Looking back, I could never have guessed the places God would take me through this journey of knowing Him. The Bible promises that God “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…” (Ephesians 3:20). And that’s been true for me—there’s always more to discover.
Maybe you’re just starting to ask questions about God, or maybe you’ve been on this journey for years. Either way, my encouragement to you is this: Don’t settle for just knowing about God. Get to know Him personally. Spend time with Him. Let Him surprise you.
May God arise—and may you find the joy and strength that comes from truly knowing Him.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 