Every so often I have the opportunity to share my testimony with an Experiencing God class at our church.

A good friend of ours is the instructor and he will usually ask me to share during week four, which focuses on your love relationship with God. There is a workbook page that lists 50 or so names of God:  Lord of lords, Redeemer, Hope, Our Help, Our Guide, Prince of Peace, Friend, Defender, Refuge and Strength, etc…

The assignment for week four is to put a check by every name of God that you have experienced God to be in your life. In other words, do you know him as “Savior?” Is He your “Rock.” Have you experienced His comfort in a time of deep sorrow? 

Over the years, I have thought quite a bit about that list. The essence of the Experiencing God study is that you come to know God through experiences. Throughout your life and through the different experiences that God allows in your life, you have the opportunity to come to know Him in a new way and on a deeper level. Before 1997, I would have been hard-pressed to check anything other than “Savior.”  – and don’t get me wrong, that is huge in itself. 

But wow, if we do not grow in our relationship with Him and come to truly know Him as more than just Savior then we have missed the proverbial boat. In 1997, our 1-month-old son died unexpectedly. That event was a turning point in my life. I was 30 years old and I knew God as Savior, but sadly not much more. Since that time I have come to know Him, to love on Him, to depend on Him for oh so much more.  I now look at that list and my pen nearly runs out of ink as I reflect on all that He is to me.

After having walked through the valley of the shadow of death, I can now call Him:  (brace yourself, this is rather lengthy, but this is something I refuse to abbreviate.)

Comforter in sorrow
Wonderful Counselor
Our Father
A Sure Foundation
Our Guide
Our Help
God Almighty
Light of life
Refuge and Strength
My Savior
My Support
God who avenges me
My Hope
Sovereign Lord
Bread of Life
My Confidence
My Friend
God of all comfort
God who saves me
Your Life
Lord of lords
My Redeemer
My Salvation
My Stronghold
Good Teacher
Jealous
My Hiding Place
Head of the church
The Good Shepherd

Whew!  That is quite a list …

My heart is full …  Every time I look over that list it brings tears to my eyes. I count myself so fortunate because I have had the opportunity to come to know God through so many experiences. Most of those experiences I would not have chosen.  An old hymn comes to my mind ... ”I know whom I have believed in and am persuaded that he is able …” 

Think about who God is to you. Maybe you’re a new Christian and the only box you can honestly check is “Savior.” Don’t fret. We all started at that exact same point. Rest easy knowing that you are on the brink of the most exciting journey of your life!

Or maybe you have been a believer for many moons yet do not truly “know” Him. Do not be discouraged. Not all that long ago, I stood exactly where you are. Start today. Ask God to make Himself known to you through experiences. In no time, you will be amazed at how many boxes you will be able to check.