Hide and Seek, Part 1: Looking For Him

"Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened for you." (Matthew 7:7, ISV)

Talking to my friend Rebekah the other night, I found myself recalling a brilliant analogy dealing with our relationship with Jesus. It was something told to me over a year ago by my spiritual big brother, Bruce Purvis.

You see, Jesus likes to play hide and seek with us. This isn't negative like it sounds. Instead, this is one of the most profound pieces of personal theology that I've ever come across. Our relationship with Jesus is like a big, ongoing game of hide and seek, in which we are always the seeker. But, just like in the real game, Jesus doesn't hide in the same place every time. If we find him behind a bush one round, we can expect he won't be there the next. In other words, every time we seek Jesus, we will find him in a different place every time. He isn't going to be where he was before.

Let me put this into better terms. You won't always find Jesus in his blessings (financial, etc). You won't always find him in his power (healing, gifts). You will find him there sometimes, and maybe even frequently. But you will not find him there EVERY time. He does this to teach us how to seek him. And, here's the best part. You WILL find him in a familiar place again. Because, as any smart hider knows, after one spot has been overlooked as it has become a common hiding spot, it is game to hide there again. So, if Jesus hid behind a bush the first time, give him a few rounds, and he'll hide there again!! The important thing to remember here is this: the more you seek him, the more places you will find him. Just remember to look for him in a different place and a different way.

Can't find him lately? Quit looking behind the bush and look behind the shed, or in a tree. He's there, waiting to see if you can find him and more importantly, if you want to find him.

Remember, seek and you will find......