Christian Comment with Martin Pearson, Pastor, Stroud Christian Fellowship

I’M STARING at a blank screen, wondering what to write; fingers hovering above the keyboard and pondering on what will resonate with you dear reader.

What nugget or observation will help you catch a glimpse of the God that transformed my life beyond expectation?

What humorous anecdote or encounter will help reveal the God who loves you more than you can ever know?

What one liner could help those of you who feel you’ve messed up or been abandoned to know that God is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love?

…and yet the page remains blank.

I think back to my time in Bible College, we read the Bible (three times!), commentaries, biographies and we listened to lectures - so many lectures – so much material, so many words.

Here then is my dilemma, the verse I recall from the bible so often is:

Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent;

with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.

Proverbs 17:28 (NLT)

closely followed by…

You will say the wrong thing if you talk too much;

so be sensible and watch what you say.

Proverbs 10:19 (CEV)

I long for you too, to experience the God who has changed me and my life positively forever, but however many words I use I’m not going to persuade you with just words.

What was it then that brought me into a life transforming relationship with Jesus?

A strong argument?

A well written pamphlet?

A persuasive sermon?

I’m sure all of these helped along the way – but it was a personal encounter with Jesus that changed me.

Just as in bible times, people followed Jesus not because of the religion but because of who he was, and very personal encounters.

Wherever Jesus was, crowds followed – he was and still is, the real deal.

So, I’m going to stop writing words now and pray that today you encounter the God who longs to walk and talk with you.

As we stop using many words, how about we all invite Jesus to speak to us in the quiet?

Who knows, it could be the start of a transformed life.

@MartinKPearson