When a surreal experience occurs in our lives, it is normal if we find it difficult to comprehend or understand. We search for meaning and understanding. Something has happened that seems unreal, but we know it is real, because we had the experience. If you snow ski and ride the chairlift to the top of the ski run, then make an exhilarating trip down the slope, you are filled with excitement and happiness from it. You know the turns and jumps you made! However, if you read about the ski run, it’s completely different than making the run yourself. Even if the writer is gifted and describes the run so well that you feel you are going down the mountain with the skier, it is not the same. It can also be this way in our relationship with God. Let’s say I have a close friend whom I cherish and would give one of my kidneys or part of my liver to save their life. That would be an expression of my love for him or her.

Jesus didn’t give a kidney or part of his liver for you and I. He sacrificed his life for us! God The Father loves each of us with a sacrificial love we find hard to comprehend or understand. God The Father, God The Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit are one in purpose. Jesus died to give us salvation, and access to relationship with our Heavenly Father. The purpose for us is to have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit enables us to experience God’s presence.

The Old Testament foretells the coming of Jesus and clearly speaks of him. The New Testament describes Jesus to us and tells us about his life. While it is good to read about Jesus, and it is important to do so, reading about him is not the same as personally experiencing him. Salvation, is the free gift of forgiveness of our sins plus eternal life from God. It is the only solution for us not being eternally separated from God when we die.  Every person is offered this choice because of God’s love, grace and mercy. When you say yes to God and accept his free gift, the Holy Spirit comes to live within you. You personally experience God and his presence. A pretty mind boggling reality to grasp! It is a rare person who, when facing death from a health related issue, would not give all their possessions to have their health restored. In essence, this is what God offers each of us, but in a spiritual sense.

In Scripture  –  Matthew 16:15-18  –  Jesus is speaking with his disciples. He asks, “But who do you say I am”? Peter answers, “you are the Messiah, the son of the living God”. This is who Jesus is, REALLY! I could give many references from scripture as to who The Bible says Jesus is. You may or may not believe The Bible, and that would not enable you to personally experience Him. Only when you make the conscious decision to make Him Savior and Lord over your life, can you begin to know Him! The beginning of the journey of a lifetime!