“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
–1 Peter 5:6-7

Many fairy tales feature a fair young maiden and a handsome prince, who seemingly meet one minute and marry the next. Snow White, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty are classic examples. But I believe the best relationships are those that improve and grow deeper every day. In other words, loving relationships grow over time.

When I met Timothy at a Lions Club meeting, I decided he was a very kind, funny and compassionate man. He enjoyed talking with me, and he admired my piano-playing skills. Every Wednesday we sat together at the club meeting, and we really got to know each other during those breakfast conversations. Soon we were going out to restaurants and holiday parties together. After a few months friendship turned to romance, and then one evening I smiled and said “yes” to Tim’s important and heartfelt question. We’ve been married for nearly 2 years now. Neither of us is anywhere near perfect, and we often make mistakes, but we are always quick to forgive, and we love each other very much.

As you can see, our relationship has grown deeper over time. A person’s relationship with God works in much the same way. It may begin in a church or Sunday school classroom, or a good friend or influential life experience may lead you to confess your sins to Jesus Christ and ask him to come into your heart.

Once you have been saved, it’s very important to keep your relationship with God alive. Talk to him often, just as you would visit with a good friend or family member. Ask Him to forgive your sins each day. Be sure to thank Him when things are going well, and to cast all of your worries and cares on Him during the darker times in your life. When things aren’t going well for you, try to count the blessings God has given you and thank Him for everything He has provided.

A second major part of this relationship is studying God’s word, the Bible. This book is full of inspiring stories and wise proverbs. It’s important that you study the Bible often, since the scriptures in this book will bring you closer to God as you learn to interpret them. Also, there are scriptures that apply to any problem you may be facing in your life.

Finally, Jesus has asked us to show that we know and love God by going out into the world and setting a Christian example. Christ has asked all of us to love one another, and show each other kindnesses. We have also been asked to bring people to Christ who have not yet met him. These are wonderful ways for us to show the world that we are children of God.

I encourage you to form your own relationship with God today, or re-dedicate your life to Jesus if you already know him. Just like a friendship or marriage, your relationship with God can truly change your life.

Thank you for reading this, and may the Lord give you a wonderful week! We are trying to reach people who are hurting, so if God lays it on your heart, please consider becoming a partner with us. If you would like to make a donation, please visit www.hcmachaplains.org and click on the Donate Now link. You may also send your donation to http://www.gofundme.com/tznwnc. Finally, you can send donations by mail to HCMA (Healthcare Chaplains Ministry Association). Our ID number is 560. The address is 377 E. Chapman Ave., Suite 260, Placentia, CA 92870.

If you have questions, comments or prayer requests for Timothy or Stephanie Burdick, please call 641-715-3900, ext. 874157.