1 John 3:1, John 14:31, Luke 15:21, John 1:12&13, Joshua 24:15, Proverbs 3:5, John 3:7, Romans 8:14-16, Ephesians1:13&14

Vivien Bellamy considers the difference between relationship and fellowship with God

Vivien Bellamy

Relationship

Many years ago, I was in a lady's bible study group where we were discussing salvation. A lady turned to me, and made a statement but also asked me the question; 'well you know you're saved don't you?' I was quite taken aback by being asked so directly, and when I recovered and thought about it, I knew that I was saved for I had given my life to God. For those of us who have received Him as our personal saviour we become children of the King and as His children we receive an inheritance from God. We are His and in so being, we have a personal unique relationship with Father God. Relationship with Him is sealed and irrevocable when we accept His salvation and give our lives over to Him; we are born again of the Spirit of God into the family of God and have this magnificent inheritance. We live life from a place of peace and rest in a relationship that cannot be broken and the knowledge that He will never leave us or forsake us. This new life is a relationship of Father and child, but so often we just believe things about God. We want His salvation but we do not enter into relationship with Him because we are afraid that we will have something taken away from us. He only wants to take away what would do us harm and destroy us. We want to choose our own way of finding the truth. But God says 'My ways are not your ways' and as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. He is the creator and giver of life. He will not reject us no matter what we do. When we know that we are sons of God it changes us.

We are born of God. God will not break His covenant relationship with us. Sealed with the Holy Spirit of God His mark of ownership is upon us. You are mine He says.

I'm reminded of the story of the Prodigal son, that after all that he had done wrong, when he came to his senses and returned home, his father, who thought his son was dead, was overjoyed the scriptures say, the father recognised him his son and ran to him: the rest of the story you know. A father son bond that could not be broken.

Fellowship

What would you think if those you loved did not say a word to you? They just went about doing their daily tasks etc; going to church regularly, putting into the collection and even doing good works; you would want to know what was up wouldn't you? Jesus died to bring us to God. He wants our heart for that is from where life flows. Our daily walk is our close fellowship with Him; it is not a religious search it is a living communication, walking and talking and listening.

Now when it comes to fellowship that is something that can be broken; and it's us that break it. Fellowship is our responsibility. God does not move from us, we move from Him by wanting to go our own way with our own understanding. We are accountable because God gives freedom of choice which way we walk. 'Choose you this day whom you will serve.'

Who or what we walk with is what we become. An empty mind will soon become an earthly one. We must fill our hearts and minds with the things of heaven, because where your heart is that's where your treasure is. What we feed on is what we grow on. Jesus, who laid down His life for us, was a fanatic for God: he had constant fellowship with his Father. 'I only do what the Father has commanded Me, so that the world may know that I love the Father and that I do only what the Father has instructed Me to do.' God holds the unique blue print for our lives because He made us. All He wants is for us to follow the pathway He has planned for us, and to do that we have to talk and listen to Him. What is He saying in the situation? My sheep hear my voice.

God wants to be involved in everything we do. He wants us to fellowship with Him. Communicate with Him. He is not a prop for life when things go wrong. HE IS LIFE, abundant life, ordered and fulfilled at all times.

When I was in the Salvation Army we used to sing a song from the 'morning' section suggesting that we begin the day with God. This is just one particular verse:

The trivial round the common task,
Will furnish all we ought to ask;
Room to deny ourselves, a road
To bring us daily nearer God.
(John Keble)

Yes problems of life will certainly hit us. We are not promised a life free of trouble; but with life rooted and grounded in the saviour's love all things are possible in Him.
In our daily walk the ways of the world seeks to separate us from choosing to go God's way.

But in Christ
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll
Fastened to the rock that cannot move
Grounded firm and deep in the saviours love.
(Priscilla J Owens)

As we release more and more things into His care, remember that He never lets go of our hand. Herein lies our security which no one and no circumstance can take from us.

Be assured of your relationship with God and as you fellowship with Him daily you will know and receive His teaching and instruction for the pathway that for you is unique. His strength and grace accompanies His presence, for He is the author and perfecter of our faith and His love for us is everlasting.

You can read a two part interview with Vivien on Cross Rhythms website, 'Learning To Live And Love Life With Cancer' Part 1 and Part 2.