Ravi Zacharias was introduced to me by a dear friend, Evangelist Paul Miller. Since then I have only listened to a few of Ravi’s messages here and there. Only because of other priorities I have had in my life. But each message has been a tremendous blessing.
This message has also blessed my heart and I do thank my friend who recently posting both part one and two of Ravi Zacharias messages asking his Facebook subscribers to comment on the message.
So I decided to give my input by way of my blog that way I could share my thoughts with you, my subscribers as well as the message which you can hear above or go here.
“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;” (see Heb 4:12)
Ravi Zacharias Asks the Following
Here are some of the questions Ravi asked in part one of his message to which I am personally answering.
What experiences or struggles did you bring in your relationship with God?
Rejection. I am definitely a highly emotional thinker, always felt strange when speaking to others and sharing my insights and questions. I was told in a loving manner by my grandmother, not to thinkinking so much.
In a sense I was left to myself with my own thoughts with no real direction. So, I would say I brought my wrong thinking into my relationship with God and often felt as his child that He too rejected me.
What in disciplines did you bring to your Christian Experience?
I had been taught to seek excellence when I was a fourth grade student who was awaken to music. I learned then that true commitment will yield real fruit. Sadly, I neglected to apply this teaching in other areas of my life, suffering much consequences, till 2014 when my heart was determined to be committed.
What wrong idea of God did you bring into this relationship?
I would see myself defeated as a child of God. Acting upon the impulses of my feelings. Thinking that God did not understand me either, although I am His child. But God had other purposes for me that I am certainly discovering lately. But I also use to think I had to force myself to measure up, fit in, and fit a mold when in fact my Lord wants to mold me. All I must be is willing.
Seek God Early
Great advice from Ravi to seek God early. In my commitment to my Lord in 2014 I have indeed discovered that the early hours with my Lord have been extremely vital. My Lord has certainly prepared my heart as His redeeming word of truth permeates my thoughts. It is all about Him, even my very life and emotional expressions are being permeated by my Lord Jesus Christ.
But when I have not put my Lord first it is as Ravi says, “…you will be operating impulsively rather than in the sanctity of the heart seasoned by the sound of His reason.”
When I have not put God first then I would react to my circumstances rather than act upon His redemptive word. I would behave as an emotional savage (sadly my own family is witness to that) than be my Lord’s ambassador.
“Seek him early because feelings will betray you it is information that will carry. It is the language of God to your heart and mine.” ~Ravi Zacharias
God’s Reasoning Purpose
To sum up part one I am thankful my Lord reasons with thinkers in such a beautiful way. My one verse as a thinker that I very much enjoy that gives me a continued desire to learn from God and alter my thinking is Isaiah 1:18, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”
My Lord has a perspective and purpose which is far greater than my own thoughts. I am truly learning so much but not by being a hearer only but a doer (see James 1:22). My Lord is definitely giving me victory concerning my highly passionately misplaced feelings.
I thank Bro. Paul for sharing this and I am looking forward to part two of Ravi Zacharias message and I will share any notes my Lord has for me with you. To God be all the glory.
Feel free to share your comments below.
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