It all begins with a relationship

Hebrews 13:7-8 (MSG)

7-8 Appreciate your pastoral leaders who gave you the Word of God. Take a good look at the way they live, and let their faithfulness instruct you, as well as their truthfulness. There should be a consistency that runs through us all. For Jesus doesn’t change—yesterday, today, tomorrow, he’s always totally himself.

Have you always had a strong faith; always known a personal relationship with Jesus, or did someone help you develop this faith?  Many of us were guided on the right path by our parents or grandparents, but many of us did not have that blessing in our lives as children. It all starts with a healthy relationship; first with God and then with another.

I was blessed when God placed a Believer in my life who shared the truth with me. I remember the first person I listened to.  There may have been others who tried to share, but I did not hear them. One day though, I was ready.

We are taught that we must make the effort and extend the invitation. We are to come alongside our neighbor and hold out our hand. The rest is up to God. It is God who prepares their hearts, it is God who does the heavy lifting, we only need to allow Him to use us.

I believed those words, but they didn't always register. Remembering the woman who made the invite which I responded to, I now thank God for her boldness.  God worked behind the scene for years, preparing me, years working on my heart. Many forces stalled my response, but God patiently worked on me.  The truth is, He allowed me to get to the point where I felt lost and hopeless.  I saw no reason to continue on as I was; lost and alone.

Looking back, I can see how life's trials and challenges had meaning.  The situations that seemed to drag me under were the very things Jesus used to prepare my heart for His invitation. And it all began with a relationship.


Hebrews 13:7-16