To know Jesus, as I know a friend, is life itself. A relationship begins, as always, with an introduction. There follows a tentative friendship, a nodding acquaintance, a time of getting to know just how far this new friend can be trusted. In a best case, the trust in my new friend grows with more experience, as I get to know him better.

Getting to a level of absolute trust in a friend comes with time and experience. In some situations, where we have to learn very quickly whom we can trust with our very life, the relationship and the bond can become strong - or be utterly destroyed as we get to know the limits of the friendship.

Knowing Jesus and learning to trust Him grows this same way. Battle-tested and strengthened in the most difficult of circumstances, faith grows and becomes unshakable. I learn that I can count on Him; He is trustworthy.

I learn to know Him not only as a friend, but as a sheep knows its shepherd. My life depends on that relationship, and on the bond of trust that grows from it.

Lord Jesus, let me know You. Let me press on to know You better. Prepare my heart to know and be assured that I can count on You as the next trial comes.
Amen!

Pastor Dan Giles