God did this so...

God did this so that men would seek him

and perhaps reach out for him and find him,

though he is not far from each one of us.

- Acts 17:27

When Paul wrote this, he was speaking before the Areopagus (Mars Hill) in Athens. The Areopagus was a collection of wise and learned men who had some judicial authority. It's most likely that Paul was brought there as a convenient place to meet, rather than in an actual formal trial type setting. Paul was asked to explain his "new teaching" that the men on the council, though very learned in religious teachings, were not familiar with.

In his explaining the Good News of Jesus Christ, he explained the Gospel very clearly. From the beginning in Old Testaments times, right on through the life and teachings of Jesus himself, to his resurrection, to the greatly expanding early church. As he was finished, he gave this line - "God did this so that men would seek him..."

There are two things in this short passage I invite you to consider as you reflect on this today. First, that God is real, that He is very involved in all that you are going through, and that He has been quietly providing for you all along. All that you have has come from His hand. And every experience you have faced has come through Him as well. Each experience has come to you so that you might seek him, and perhaps reach out for him and find him.

God yearns to grow your faith, to have a closer relationship than He currently has with you. He longs for you to be open to Him. And he sends experiences (good and not so good) so that you might realize your need for Him. Is it working? Are you open to Him?

The second thing I would like you to reflect on is the thought that He is closer than you think. Paul told the Areopagus that God yearns for men to follow Him, yet God is not far from any of them. That's as true today as it was for Paul. God is not far from any of us. He is waiting for our reply to His work. Yet many of us don't even notice His work. His miricles aren't acknowledged. His healings are credited to Doctor's skill. His provisions are credited to our own good works. Yet He quietly waits for us. Inviting us into a closer relationship, reaching out to us as we struggle. Offering to guide any who are willing to trust him.

Are you willing? Will you trust? Will you committ to growing closer to God?