How did God come to you? (Full Version)

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shondasu -> How did God come to you? (8/7/2008 6:42:42 PM)

Hello. I am new to this site. I am in the process of searching and sorting out my beliefs. I've seen and heard how some of you say that God/Jesus came to you or revealed himself to you... I am wondering what experience you had that enlightened you? I think I have had a few "ah ha" moments in which it seems God/Jesus is trying to get my attention. But I am curious to know if any of my experiences are similar to any of yours. Am I being desparate and imagining something that's not there? I'd like to know how you have "felt" him in your life? Thanks :)



TheBibleTRUTH -> RE: How did God come to you? (8/7/2008 6:51:56 PM)

Well God sent a few wonderful believers on a fellowship program to my town. One of them ended up getting hired at my job and invited me when he taught the word. He was surely inspired by God because he taught the exact message that I needed to hear at that point in my life.

After that he just pops up letting me know that he loves me and he takes care of me. Just recently out of my own stupidity I let my car run out of engine coolant in Arizona (very hot here :\). For 2 weeks my car never overheated and never got screwed up. God surely had his hand on my vehicle. Today, I added some water and it works just fine. Even though I wasn't very bright he knew that I needed that car and he helped me out big time.

Things like that really bless me and it lets me know that God surely is there watching over us every day like his little children.


God bless you in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ.



deermousie -> RE: How did God come to you? (8/7/2008 8:19:28 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: shondasu
I've seen and heard how some of you say that God/Jesus came to you or revealed himself to you... I am wondering what experience you had that enlightened you? I think I have had a few "ah ha" moments in which it seems God/Jesus is trying to get my attention. But I am curious to know if any of my experiences are similar to any of yours. Am I being desparate and imagining something that's not there? I'd like to know how you have "felt" him in your life? Thanks :)


You're probably not imaging it, Shondasu. There's a popular literary figure in Christianity that most of us understand: we were "pursued by the hound of Heaven." For me, it was a roommate who was a believer and would tell me little things that started adding up. One of the key kickers was when we were watching the news and there was something about Israel. She grabbed a Bible, showed me a verse and said, "See, it said right here that Israel would become a nation again. And it did, in 1948."

It shook me. If the Bible was true, then I knew I didn't measure up to what God wanted (I have no clue how I'd figured out what God wanted, or even if I was right) but that He was real. My roommate told me God loved me and Jesus died for sinners (OK, that part I measured up to! [:D] I was a sinner). I started going to church with her (I liked singing in the choir) and heard some excellent Bible teaching. So I felt guilt, I felt hope, I felt a pulling I couldn't explain. Something was going on I couldn't see but I knew it was there. Something that was forming in my mind, that was logical and spiritual. I kept running into believers, and they were the kind of person I'd always wanted to be (except they were Christians. Get rid of that and they'd be perfect. Ha! That's what made them the way they were).

I finally came to the point where I realized that God was coming in through the cracks of my life from every direction and that I couldn't run away from Him anymore. Life only made sense if there was a Creator of it, and I couldn't escape the logic or the circumstances. So I gave up, gave in, and asked Him to forgive me (whatever that meant - I wasn't sure) and be the Boss of my life.

It changed everything. Within six months I was a noticably different: I'd stop swearing. I'd stop running around with immoral friends. My whole viewpoint was different, and relaxed. I knew I was loved, and I was digging into the Bible and learning all kinds of cool things (Moses talked about the mountains on the bottom of the sea. When sonar was invented in the 1900s, they discovered that... there were mountains on the bottom of the sea. Hudda thunket? [:D]).

It's been 35 years now, and I am really different. As a kid I was "the least likely to survive life in any way" from an abusive background, the kid everyone at school made fun of, thought to be terminally stupid, and so on. Now I'm the wife of a good man who loves God and me (first good marriage in my family in at least 4 generations), I've taught school at the university level (first college graduate, first college teacher, first professional in the family in 3 generations), and have a Christian daughter in college who is probably going to help change the world for good. Lord willing, anyway. [:)]

The Bible says that things you can see are temporary and things you can't see are eternal. It's another world, and there's a part of us that lives there. It sounds like yours is calling you. God bless you; I'll be praying for you. (((Hugs)))



Mickley -> RE: How did God come to you? (8/7/2008 10:18:24 PM)

I like the post you left here. I found out God can use how I feel to communicate with me, but I learned He doesn't always communicate to me like that. I believe God can communicate to You however He wants to.

This post reminds me of the new website www.jesussaga.com. I wonder if You'd think it could relate to your post?

I tell You of just one time God communicated with me. I was a youth. My family was friends with another family who had 2 boys. My brother and I were friends with these boys. These 2 boys had a grandpa who was preaching for the summer at a small turist chapel which was a copy of a very old church in Norway. This grandpa was a pastor who was selected to be the minister for the chapel for the tourist season. Our family went to listen to the pastor to support him since we wanted to be friends. This pastor told me of how Jesus was real and how what he did on the cross was real. He read to us Bible which described what happened to Jesus and how he rose again. He told me how heaven and hell were real places. It clicked in my head for the first time. For the first time it made real sense to me. I knew this was true. Somehow on the inside I could tell. God was tugging on my insides and he wanted me to ask for forgiveness and turn my life over to Him. I can understand this is what was happening then now that I'm looking back at that night. So I did accept Jesus into my life that night outside the chapel behind the bushes. As time went on, my encounters with God have'nt always had as much feeling. Instead God has used other ways also to reach me inside.

Something else that still happens often enough to me these days. I at times look at the stars at night when I walk alone where I live in a small country town and I totally think I can feel God's tug then sometimes. Isn't that cool?

How do you think God might be communicating with you I wonder. Hope I will find my way back to this post again later.



KnowJesus -> RE: How did God come to you? (8/7/2008 11:17:35 PM)

Allow me to boast in Jesus...Please!


When I was in the hospital after my fourth miscarriage, my husband prayed that if God would let me live, then he would take his family to church. He was not a believer in Jesus (nor I). He thought I was dying and so he bargained with God.

I didn't know about the prayer then. All though, I recall him bugging me to go to church. I said, "No" and gave him weeks of excuses. I wanted nothing to do with church or God.

Then one day he put his foot down...and so we went with my 3 conditions: we will go in late, sit in the back of the church...and exit out the opposite door at the end of the service.

God wouldn't leave me alone from that day on..LOL!

I was totally drawn by Him. 24 years ago. Back then (a babe in Christ) I would say, "He pestered me!" Really, he would not let me go.


In this time of "pestering" I could not stop wondering, thinking, contemplating thoughts about God. And after I left that church, I bumped into the pastor that week at the PO. He told me he's seen me at church and could he and his wife visit us at our home. "YES!" flew out of my mouth and I cursed myself all the way home for it.


I believe to this day, it was not my intent to say "YES!" at that time, it was God working to draw me to him. I didn't want to go to church in the first place. And now I was letting the pastor of the church come to our house! No way it was me! It was the Spirit of God.


A couple of weeks after the pastor came and shared how Jesus came into his life...I once again was pestered (drawn) by hearing the word of God. The testimony of the pastor, and the thoughts of Jesus, God and the sacrifice of His only Son...finally brought me to a place of surrender. I couldn't go on without Him! I accepted his forgiveness and believed Him in faith, to be the living God (in our living room at home). It was his grace . Not by works, that's for sure. :)


And he continues to draw, call...direct and guide me to this day, for His glory. I pray he does the same for "all who are called according to His purpose, in Christ Jesus."



lovestowrite -> RE: How did God come to you? (8/8/2008 5:40:30 PM)

Hello, I am new here too. My name is April.

This is an interesting question because ever since I was little I believed in God and loved Him. I was not brought up in a religious/spiritual home and never had anyone teach me about God. The only thing I do know is when I was very small and my grandmother came to visit (which was only once or twice) she took us all to church with her. I don't have the memory of being there, but maybe whatever I heard/saw/experienced there stuck with me.

And as I grew older I could only believe in God more and more because I was still alive and was making it through a very horrible childhood.

I admit I joined this forum because I am not bringing God into my life as much as I would like and I have been wanting to meet others who share the love of the Lord.

I can't wait to make some new friends here. I am already so inspired.



HisFish -> RE: How did God come to you? (8/9/2008 12:16:59 AM)

I love the question. God came for me, i was never on any spiritual quest, nor did i ever "look" for Him. I was prayed for by a stranger on a street in San Diego after i had asked him to buy some beer for me since i was under age, he refused to buy it but asked if he could pray for me instead. I've never been the same since that day 28 years ago. By the way, when i get to heaven the first person i want to meet (besides the Lord) is that stranger.



HisFish -> RE: How did God come to you? (8/9/2008 12:29:00 AM)

quote:

God wouldn't leave me alone from that day on..LOL!

I was totally drawn by Him. 24 years ago. Back then (a babe in Christ) I would say, "He pestered me!" Really, he would not let me go.

Knowjesus, isnt that the truth!. Thats the exact way i felt, pestered by God lol. I didnt grow up in a christian family, and believe it or not i had never been in a church in my entire life until my salvation, they freaked me out. That very day that God found me He was all i could think of, even though i didnt know who He was really.



shondasu -> RE: How did God come to you? (8/9/2008 2:38:58 AM)

Thanks to everyone who shared... I had an AMAZING day today! Lately, I have been searching for the truth and contemplating why I am here on Earth and where will I be going aftwerward...What is the point of all of this, why has being a human been so hard, why do I feel so alone and isolated, why does existence on Earth seem futile and miserable at times??? Well, today God definitely held my face to his and made me look in his eyes! He knew I was finally ready and willing to hear the truth. Today, I mentioned to someone who is only an aquaintance that I have been more stressed in my life than ever before, that I felt like I was falling apart mentally and physically. This person proceeded to tell me that I am a spiritual being having a physical experience, that this life is all about learning to love, and that love and forgiveness is what would connect me with my Creator. He said I needed to work on patience, acceptance, not judging, learning to love myself and others, that I'm caught up in the illusion of life we humans create for ourselves and I'm not focusing on what's really important. He said a bit more than that, but that is the gist of it. From the second he started talking my heart jumped and I knew it was God that was talking directly to me thru him. His presence was there with me and I felt it! I could not speak, I just listened. My eyes welled up with tears. All day I could not stop smiling, but also wanted to cry at the same time! I feel great! It's like he took my face to his and breathed himself inside me. I feel peace, finally. He heard me calling for him and he came.

BTW, to those who were wondering what my previous "ah ha" moments were, I will tell you tomorrow. It's late now and I must log off... Good Nite!



Newine59 -> RE: How did God come to you? (8/9/2008 5:06:36 PM)

I was 7 or 8 in a foster home. I had no father and my mother, well, should never have had kids. Our foster mother sent us to the neighborhood baptist church for a break every Sunday and it was there that I heard about Jesus. I accepted Him as my Lord and Savior but it was much later in life when I really learned what He personally did for me BESIDES salvation. He said "I am the way, the truth and the life, no man cometh unto the Father but by Me." You see, shortly after I accepted Him as my Savior when I was 8, I read a verse in Psalms that said God was a Father of the fatherless. I thought that if I just had a father everything would be different in my life. I would have clothes like all the other kids, enough food to eat and someone would love me just because I was me. Little did I know how much my life would change. I remember that moment so vividly. I looked up at God and said "FINE, then you're my father!" and I meant it. 42 years later He is still my father and it's all because Jesus led me to Him. He saw a fatherless child in desperate need of a father and love and reached down to me when no one else would. I love Him so much, so very much and I owe Him everything.



Newine59 -> RE: How did God come to you? (8/9/2008 5:12:38 PM)

I should say that during that time that I was 8 until now (49) God has shown Himself to me in numerous ways. Shortly after I met the Father, I was placed with my Grandparents, (keeping the second part of His promise of that Psalm verse) I have heard His voice many times throughout my life and had several dreams and one vision. But it wasn't until about 2 years ago that I realized Jesus' part in leading me to the Father by that verse. It really opened my relationship with Jesus my Lord. ( I've come to understand the Trinity better too)[:)]



jn1010lf -> RE: How did God come to you? (8/10/2008 8:57:26 AM)

Hello shondasu

Let's make it simple. Do you really want to know God? Is it the desire of your heart to find Him? If so, reach out to him and He will come to you.

Yes, it does help to listen to how others found Him but He deals fitingly with every individual.
So, get in His word. Hang onto his words. He will reveal Himself to you in ways you can identify.

Don't be surprised if He speaks to you in your native language; no King James, no lofty weird seances or such.



Lufia -> RE: How did God come to you? (8/10/2008 9:55:51 AM)

God came to me with the help of an agnostic, a budhist and a Jew!



AboundinginHisGrace -> RE: How did God come to you? (8/10/2008 5:29:33 PM)

My wonderful Godly parents. I thank God all the time, that I was born into a Christian family that shared God's Word with me, took me to church, and lived life like a Christian should.



shondasu -> RE: How did God come to you? (8/12/2008 5:30:03 PM)

Hi everybody, it's me again. Thanks SO MUCH to those who shared. I guess I'm fascinated by how God has gotten your attention. Now that he has gotten my attention, I do not have t wonder anymore how it happens or what it feels like! I said I would elaborate on a few of my "ah ha" moments, so here they are:

* When I was a child, I used to talk to God a lot, usually outside. A few times when I asked him if he could hear me, I saw a shooting star go across the sky.

* There was this one particular dream I had where I was sitting against a fence and watching some young girls jump around and play together. Then one of the girls came up to me and put her hand and mouth to my ear as if to tell me a secret. She said "I have to tell you something" and opened her mouth. An immense light came from her and filled the air, and the sound that came out of her mouth was not like anything I'd ever experienced--it was I guess inaudible but audible at the same time--a pure, all-consuming voice, so loud and so glorious that only an angel could've made it. I woke up with actual tears streaming down my face, but I had a smile on my face as well. It was the most beautiful moment I'd ever known.

* My brother came to me in a dream after he died. He was only 15, but in my dream he was wise and sure and strong like a man. He opened his arms out to me, and I ran up to him and hugged him, sobbing. He just wrapped his arms around me and held me, the expression on his face remained sympathetic and caring, with his eyes closed. We didn't speak, but he was just saying "Shhhh" and holding me. I could feel his peace and that he wasn't just a boy anymore.

* When I was on a cruiseship trip, my daughter was conceived. That same week, my grandmother died and and was burried, all without me knowing of it. I could not be reached on my cell phone. My family did not try to contact the ship, they only emailed me, hoping I would check my email. But it did not occur to me to do so. I think God protected me by not allowing the communication to happen, so that my body would not be stressed and my daughter could be conceived.



skirk55 -> RE: How did God come to you? (8/12/2008 9:57:20 PM)

I had surgery and after 35 years of work I was unable to hold my job and I was unable to sleep and eat. I lost around 70 lbs. Depression was killing me! I was ready to give up. One night I was on the computer and on Creigh List looking at jobs. I read a post for a local painter to paint the inside of a new house. It is about 1 1/2 miles from my house this looked good so I replied to the add. Next day I got a phone call from the owner. One thing I forgot was I can not paint. My hands shake! I am afraid to use ladders! I do not own any painting equipment! So I thought I better not go and waste the owners time. I went and talked to them and excepted the job. Ho Boy 16" ceilings, three floors and a very expensive place for a person of my skills in painting.
After a few days I was painting a bathroom and I was on a ladder that my son gave me to use. The radio Chanel drifted and picked up one of those Bible stations. I was to lazy to get of the ladder and change it so I tuned it out of my head. About 10 min. later I was on my knees asking Jesus to come into my life and change me. This was about 6 weeks ago and to this day I know that this painting job was Gods work. Today I am OK living with this health condition and my life has changed. I thank God every day for his Grace and Forgiveness. Before I die I want to help a person give his life over to Jesus. I am 53 years old and until now I have never felt the love , caring, forgiveness, peace, and so much more. I thank God every day I wake up and go to sleep for this gift.



HisFish -> RE: How did God come to you? (8/12/2008 10:13:07 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: skirk55

I had surgery and after 35 years of work I was unable to hold my job and I was unable to sleep and eat. I lost around 70 lbs. Depression was killing me! I was ready to give up. One night I was on the computer and on Creigh List looking at jobs. I read a post for a local painter to paint the inside of a new house. It is about 1 1/2 miles from my house this looked good so I replied to the add. Next day I got a phone call from the owner. One thing I forgot was I can not paint. My hands shake! I am afraid to use ladders! I do not own any painting equipment! So I thought I better not go and waste the owners time. I went and talked to them and excepted the job. Ho Boy 16" ceilings, three floors and a very expensive place for a person of my skills in painting.
After a few days I was painting a bathroom and I was on a ladder that my son gave me to use. The radio Chanel drifted and picked up one of those Bible stations. I was to lazy to get of the ladder and change it so I tuned it out of my head. About 10 min. later I was on my knees asking Jesus to come into my life and change me. This was about 6 weeks ago and to this day I know that this painting job was Gods work. Today I am OK living with this health condition and my life has changed. I thank God every day for his Grace and Forgiveness. Before I die I want to help a person give his life over to Jesus. I am 53 years old and until now I have never felt the love , caring, forgiveness, peace, and so much more. I thank God every day I wake up and go to sleep for this gift.

great testimony, God is amazing in how he comes to us. God bless you.



TorchHeart -> RE: How did God come to you? (8/12/2008 11:07:52 PM)

My mother is the person who gave me my religous up-bringing. My father reinforced it with his raising of me to be strong and enduring.

God comes to and goes from me, though. [>:] I'm still trying to figure out why, but that's part of another thread.



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