When Emptiness Calls Out. Broken for Revival, Part 7

When I was much younger, I attended a church where grace was unknown and legalism was the rule. Although I could never accept certain aspects of my church's doctrine, I believed that they had the truth. Unfortunately, their truth was not founded on the person of Christ. Instead, it was founded on doctrines requiring us to attain our salvation through works.

Completely hooked in, I was involved in every aspect of the church. I was an elder and a youth leader. I directed Vacation Bible School and was the chairman of the school board. I was the superintendent of fellowship Bible Studies, I visited the elderly, I acted as a mediator, and I did quite a bit of lay preaching. I was constantly in the lime light, but although I enjoyed every minute of it, I was completely empty.

What bothered me the most was that most people in my church weren't sure of their salvation. Was I really worshipping God here, or was I on a self-delusional trip to an asylum? The weight on my shoulders became heavier, the emptiness more pronounced.

I finally cried out to God: "Lord, help me find your truth. I am so confused!"

His promise of "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." (Matt 7:7-8 NIV) became a reality, and I found that truth is not a concept or a doctrine, but a Person: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6 NIV)

God's Spirit became real to me, and His Word, the Bible, became alive. Peace overcame me, and love from the Most High invaded my life.

I didn't immediately leave that church. Instead I tried to share my newfound joy with its members. But they were too scared that doubting the doctrine of their church would result in hell-fire. That's when I learned that any church that holds on to lies can never have the Truth of God. This mixing of truth and lies is the way the devil got his foot in the door in the first place, isn't it? "Did God really say . . . ?" (Gen 3:1 NIV)

Truth says: No one can reach heaven on his own. (See Eph 2:8-9)

Truth says: I am not a concept, but a Person who will help you break free from your bondages (See John 8:36).

Truth says: It is God who saved us through His Son Jesus. We had no part in it, except to accept His gracious offer and fall on our knees in total gratitude (See John 3:16).

Truth says: We have a reliable guide who will lead us in God's truth. Our only job is to rely on Him (See John 16:13).

Truth says: It can only be found in God's Word, the Bible. And the way to unlock that Truth is by letting God's Spirit, the author of this fantastic book, guide you (See James 1:22-25).

But before I could truly recognize Truth, I had to be broken. Before then, God couldn't penetrate my self-imposed, thick-headed shield. He couldn't be in charge of my life when I was so rigidly in the driver's seat!

Do you want to know freedom? Would you like to experience Truth?

Then from the bottom of your heart, ask God: "Lord please guide me to Your Truth."

Remember that you will need to be utterly broken before you can hear God's voice. He has been trying to reach you since you were born, but your defense shield is keeping Him at bay. He truly loves you. He is more than willing to lead you to real Truth that will liberate you from your bondages.

Why not ask Him today?

Rob Chaffart

When Emptiness Calls Out. Broken for Revival, Part 7

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