"It was on that occasion that the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying: "To your descendants I give this land..." Genesis 15:18
How does one connect with the Lord, and how does one reap a benefit of such a connection? I would say that this question illustrates the silent demand of all who desire to know God.
How do I know God? The Church would advocate that to know God is to serve Him, and to serve God is to serve our neighbor. But don't forget the examples of Abram and Elijiah. In Abram's case, he sacrificed much of what he had in the form of birds and rams on an altar, and only after the carcasses were devoured by big ol' buzzards and stuff, did God come to him in the light of a torch in the midst of a darkness that came with the evening. In Elijiah's case, it was him sitting through fires, storms and earthquakes, hearing nothing, until God came to him in the whisper of a quiet desert wind. So it would seem that to know God is to shut up and listen!
How does one reap a benefit from knowing God? Again, the Church would say that the benefit comes by recognizing the lives improved by your allowing God to work through your hands. And really, that is essentially the answer, but what's in it for you? How will your life improve? Will you inherit many nations? Will you get rich? While there is never a guarantee, I would like to say with some confidence that NO, you will not inherit property, nor will you be rich, or for that matter lose weight! The benefit of knowing God is the journey of getting to know Him. The time that transpires, and the wisdom that comes with experience and patience is the real value of knowing Him. Abram's transformation resulted in him becoming the father of many nations because he allowed God to guide his VERY LONG LIFE. Elijiah's eyes were opened to the wonders of it all because he just sat there and soaked it all in, and then shared his visions with those who were hungry for truth. So the benefit of knowing God comes with knowing that because you know Him, you know that much more!. Does that make sense?
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