As Christians, one of the most encouraging effects pertaining to the “Pursuit of God” is knowing that while we’re pursuing him, he’s holding us in his hand. Illustrated perfectly in the book of Philippians 3:12, Paul says, “Not that I had already attained, but I follow after, if that I might apprehend that for which I am (already) apprehended of Jesus Christ.”

In Acts 8:12, the eunuch left Jerusalem and headed back to Ethiopia with a longing to understand scripture. His responsibility as an official of the Queen of the Ethiopians was secondary to his need to know God. Being receptive to this need, God sent Philip to assist him in gaining a greater knowledge of scripture. As a result, he accepted Christ as Savior and was baptized.

Like the eunuch, nothing should matter more than our pursuit of God. It’s clear, as we pursue him, he’ll send the answer. It is his desire that we live an abundant life. I find a greater understanding of scripture in Matthew 5:13, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” The eunuch was blessed with privilege and responsibility as a head of state. Yet he counted his position valueless compared to the kingdom of God. Similarly, Paul writes in Philippians 3:7, “What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ”. As we read his word and spend time seeking his face, God will respond to our desire to know him.

I challenge you to pursue God with your whole heart even if you’re experiencing feelings of inadequacy, grief, pain, or fear of the future. As he empowered the Apostle Paul and his disciple Philip, he has also empowered you. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. God has the answer; trust him, be patient, and be obedient. Don’t allow Satan’s tactics to stymie your pursuit of true deliverance and authentic peace. God will make you wiser than your enemy. Knowing God is the ultimate reward; a relationship that defies all odds and rationalization.