During our Young Adult Community Group, a topic of having a personal relationship with Jesus came up. Namely, what is it? What IS having a personal relationship with Jesus? You hear many pastors talk of it, but what is really having a personal relationship with Jesus like? Do we hear His voice? How do we know it is Him speaking and not our imagination or wishful thinking? In what sense, is it personal?

Of course if you grew up in church, having a personal relationship with Jesus means having a Q.T. (Quiet Time). You know, reading the Bible and praying. But is that all there is to having a relationship with God? Is mechanically reading the Bible and doing what it says and going to church once a week all there is to having a personal relationship with Jesus?

What about when we have to make a decision on what the Bible doesn’t talk about? Such as selecting a mate. Or what career to pursue. Or what church to go to. Do we know what Jesus is saying to us about these? Do we hear His voice? Have we learned to discern His distinct voice? Or are we just following certain principles?

Jesus only had to say one word to Mary who was crying outside the tomb to know that it was the Lord. He simply said, “Mary.” She was so familiar with how Jesus called her name before the crucifixion that when she heard it, she immediately recognized it as Jesus.

Jesus showed himself to Thomas when he doubted his friends that they ever saw the risen Christ. He came to him personally to show him his nail wounds.

Jesus found Peter after the resurrection specifically to reconcile with Him regarding Peter denying Him three times. It was a painful moment for Peter, but he was restored and recommissioned.

Jesus is so much more than a personal God. He is the all consuming God of the universe. But He IS personal. He will speak to us personally. Desire to hear His voice!

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

PH