This very question was asked by Jesus to Peter, in the book of Matthew.
Probably many Pastors and Christians with the knowledge of Christ written in the Bible will be able to answer the same way as Peter did, as his reply to Jesus was, “You are Christ, Son of the living God.”
What we hear from the leaders in Church or even read from the bible or books about God is termed as Knowledge. To put it simply Knowledge is the information or awareness gained through experience or education.
While Understanding is defined as knowing or realising the intended meaning or cause of something, it can also mean an intepretation or view of a particular thing.
It is said that Knowledge is greater than understanding, and one without another is incomplete.
I think this concept of Knowledge is greater than understanding can be applied over many things. However I realised that when it comes to making sense of this thing known as life, understanding is just as important.
How do we apply knowledge and understanding to our own lives?
Case in point, when it comes to difficulties we experience through life, knowledge is not enough.
I might know that I am experiencing some form of difficulty or problem or even what caused it, but understanding will be more crucial here; why I am going through it?
Often we just see on the surface why we have to encounter a difficulty or trial in life.
When we analyse the situation from a logical perspective, it may be a consequence of an earlier decision we made. Also surrounded with well-meaning friends or relatives, who will remind us constantly, saying “It’s your own fault, you did this and that, you made the choice.”
Or it might be that we are participants of decisions that others selfishly make (i.e., in a family unit), or a victim of circumstances (we are just placed in that situation without any intervention of our own action).
If I take the regular church-goer Christian perspective of, “I am experiencing this, as God wants to humble me. Or that I need to count my blessings…” I would have just skimmed the surface of something deeper.
When I look deeper, I believe there is a purpose for difficulties and trials to change us to be a better person.
What if, it is more than just ME?
But what if, we took it a step further and see things from God perspective, everything we encounter a difficulty and trial, and ask this same question. “Who do I say He is?”
If I choose to see it simply, I think trials and difficulties fulfilled these 3 things;
1. Refine our characters
2. Build a greater revelation and understanding of God in our lives. This means to know God personally, as He can and will speak personally to address our problems and trials (this includes the solutions). Not just what is preached in the pulpits, or shared by others.
3. Help us develop an identity of ‘who we are’ and ‘Whose we are.’
It all comes down to our relationship and understanding of who God is; which translates to developing our identity of ‘Who we are in Christ’ and a greater revelation of God.
If we can seek God to refine us, and also come to an understanding of these things every time we face any difficulty. The purpose of these difficulties and trials would have fulfilled its purpose in our lives, and that’s when it will usher in the breakthroughs.
A life journey walking with God is not rocket science, it’s religion that complicates it. It is actually very simple, yet profound. I know this works, as I have experienced it in my life.
It’s often our quest for knowledge that complicates, as I don’t need a theological degree to share all that. All it takes is time seeking Him.
Don’t resent your difficulty or trial either by shaking your fist towards God, and feel resentment towards Him for allowing the trial.
Instead, start asking yourself this question, “So who do I say He is?”
It’s worth spending that 47 minutes of time to listen to this and think about how much of these Names of God you truly know and understand.
Click on this video below and listen to the lyrics in this song ‘Names of God’.
