You can belong to God long before you can explain him.
If you're new to faith, you may have already had the moment. Someone in a group mentions a word you've never heard, everyone nods, and you nod too while quietly wondering if you missed a lesson. Or you open a Bible at random and land in a chapter full of names you can't pronounce.
It's easy to start thinking you're on probation until you catch up. A voice in your head says real Christians have it all worked out, and once you understand enough, you'll be properly in. Until then you hang back a little, unsure whether you're allowed to pray freely or call yourself his.
Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
God already knows you completely, and that is what makes you his, long before you know much about him.
Paul wrote this to a church that prized knowledge, and he was honest about the limits of his own. If one of the people who wrote much of the New Testament could admit that, your questions put you in good company.
The weight of the verse falls on God's knowing, which is already complete. Your understanding will grow slowly, the way it does in any friendship, and you are welcome at the table while it does.
Try this today
- If you like, write down one question about faith you can't answer yet and let it stay unanswered for now, without worry.
- Try praying one honest sentence to God in whatever words you have, even if they feel clumsy.
Sit with this
What question about God have you been nervous to admit you don't understand?
God, there is so much about you I don't understand yet. Thank you that you know me completely and that I belong to you anyway. Help me keep learning without being afraid.
Bring your questions with you, because there is room for them and for you.
Amen.
Every day with God counts forever.
