HOW DO WE GET MORE OF GOD?

“But I tell you this—though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence. “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” -Luke 11:8-9.

Most people want more out of life. They want more out of their jobs, relationships, financial security, happiness, fulfillment, love, money, and time, to name a few. The follower of Jesus deeply longs for more of God in their lives. On the surface, this seems reasonable. Who would not want more of such a good and gracious God?

When the Israelites reached the Red Sea, they were stuck with the Egyptian army closing fast.  God miraculously parted the Red Sea. Could you ever forget such a moment? After crossing the sea and finding themselves hungry, God provided manna daily. When they were thirsty, water flowed from a rock. And, yet, still, their hearts struggled with unbelief. At various points, they thought it prudent to return to slavery in Egypt. They thought the security of slavery was better than being out in the wilderness with God.  How could they react that way with all the power and miracles staring them right in the face?

When we ask that question of the Israelites, we must ask ourselves about our wanderings in the desert or our deeper need and hunger for more of God. Like the Israelites, we need God’s power and direction.

God called us to live out our faith. He called us to walk by faith, to take a risk on His power and His promises. He called us to step out of our comfort zone and live the life we should live. The promises given by Jesus about receiving power from God in Luke 24:49 says: ” And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” Then there is Acts 1:8:  “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Many people want more of God but are unwilling to be where they need to be to get it. Simply wanting more of God is not enough. The desire for more can be powerful and general. When we say more, we must focus on what we want “more” of in our relationship with God. God is not interested in a joint partnership. He doesn’t want to be your “better half.” He doesn’t want shared custody of you, only on the weekends. God wants you to want all of Him, and He wants all of you. He deserves to be the main focus in your life.

Discussion Question:

1. Do you want more of God? How does that desire manifest itself in your life?
2. Do you think God wants more of you?