By J’nan Tierney

(First in a series)

God is always calling us to Him, and He reaches out to us in many ways. For example, we may feel a “pull” in our hearts towards learning more about Him or have a very powerful life experience or feel a sense of general curiosity about Him. We may also notice that the people who come into our lives, if only momentarily, may give us that little nudge we need to take that first step in His direction.

Who is God?

God is love. God is also eternal, all-knowing, ever-present and powerful beyond our comprehension. He is our Creator—the Creator of our universe in all its majesty and complexity. The Bible tells us that “in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). He created us out of his pure and everlasting love, and He made us in His own image (Genesis 1:27). God’s love for us is unconditional, and He wants us to develop a personal relationship with Him.

How do we know God’s love is unconditional?

God shows His love for us through His Word. He has proven His love for us through Jesus’ sacrifice. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus willingly sacrificed Himself for our salvation. He illustrates this fact for us by using an allegory: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).

Let’s get personal here. Before I answered God’s call, I did not hold a firm belief in His existence. Looking back now, I recognize the “nudges” that He was giving me, reaching out to me constantly throughout the years. One of my nudges was a little plaque given to me years ago that read: “Seek the Lord and His strength, seek His face continually” (1 Chronicles 16:11). I thought nothing of it then, but I cherish it now.

My intention is to provide an ongoing series of blogs chronicling my personal journey and experience with God. I hope that my experience will speak to you and help you recognize the “nudges” you receive in your own life. God never gave up on me, and He won’t give up on you either.