As human beings, we tend to have quirky, unusual traits. One of my quirks is that I can decide I don’t like a particular dish without ever tasting it. I just look at it and say, “I don’t like it.” If the name of the dish sounds strange to me, I might draw the same conclusion. On a number of occasions, through the persuasive skills of my wife, I have ventured to try something new, and guess what happens? I actually like it, and it can even become my new favourite dish.
You may have doubts, fears, and hesitations about entering into a personal relationship with God. But before you resist, oppose, or refuse to embark on this life-transforming and rewarding journey, the psalmist in Psalm 34:8 admonishes:
“O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.”
The idea is to take an intentional step to experience, for yourself, something you will not regret.
This admonition is demonstrated in John 1, when Jesus began His earthly ministry. John the Baptist, who announced Jesus’ coming, encouraged his own disciples to follow Jesus for themselves. One of John’s disciples, Andrew, then encouraged his brother, Peter, to come and see Jesus for himself. Both became disciples of Jesus. Philip, also an eventual disciple of Jesus, saw Jesus and encouraged his friend Nathaniel, who had some doubts, to come and see Jesus for himself. Both became disciples of Jesus.
It is good to be encouraged to have a personal relationship with Jesus. However, a thriving and fulfilling relationship with Him requires:
1) A personal decision. It must be one that you make for yourself. No one else can decide for you.
2) An intentional decision. It must be a decision you choose, not one coerced or forced on you, even if you are encouraged.
3) A continual decision. This continuity involves an ongoing desire to grow in your walk with the Lord through obedience to His Will.
The blessings of following Jesus are there for you to experience. But they come from overcoming doubts and fears and being willing to give Him a chance in your life. So, if you are on the fence, don’t be afraid to taste and see!