"I tell you this to assure you that appearances can be deceiving when it comes to having a relationship with God."

A thought by Steven Furtick from his book, Seven-Mile Miracle: Journey into the Presence of God Through the Last Words of Jesus (p. 66). The Crown Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

Leading up to this thought Steven says, “The rest of Judaism in that era tended to focus on keeping rules. The disciples, however, knew they were engaged in a relationship with God in the flesh. So, however difficult or disturbing this relationship with the Savior could be on occasion, they wanted it.

“I tell you this to assure you that appearances can be deceiving when it comes to having a relationship with God. Even though he may seem tough, that doesn’t mean he’s any less loving.”

Steven goes on, “Maybe sometimes you read statements in the Bible about how people are sinners, or you come across commands that seem harder than you can handle, and you feel beaten down. How much would change if you started reading God’s Word as if he were smiling when he spoke it?

“Or maybe you’re weighed down with guilt feelings. They may not be appropriate guilt feelings because sometimes we beat ourselves up more than we should. But then again, it may be legit conviction of sin, the Holy Spirit telling you where you’re falling short so that you can repent, learn from it, and do better next time. (John 16:8-11).

Steven then says, “Conviction is totally different from condemnation… Jesus is our intercessor. That is, he is like a defense attorney, standing up for us before God. He’s not a prosecutor accusing us of guilt. As Paul said, ‘There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.’ (Romans 8:1-2)

“If you hear condemnation coming from the chatterbox in your mind, remind yourself that it’s not from your Father above. It’s from your Enemy below or confusion within. God wants nothing but life for you.”

Then Steven says, “So when you’re feeling like God is too harsh, remember that his disposition toward you is one of favor. He is smiling over you. He loves you and wants to be in relationship with you. Specifically, he wants to be your loving Father.”

So, what is it that is keeping you from having a relationship with God?  Will you give what it is to him?

Yes, yes!