Chapter One

I Wish I Could Believe

God Show Me that You Exist

Starting Off:	To Memorize: Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. (Rev. 3:20 NKJV) Here is good news! God is just waiting for honest doubters to cry out for a little revelation! In fact, He is knocking at their doors, eager to oblige. Here is a sublime theological point: the door to the human heart can be opened only from the inside. God will never force His way in. He waits for our response to His availability. All we have to do is open the door and ask with an open heart and mind. Even if we already know that God exists and promises to be there for us, sometimes we don't feel His presence or see Him moving in our lives. Then even strong believers pound on His door and cry out, “Where are you? Where did you go?” They, too, need fresh reminders that He is there, aware and listening—and that He promises to respond: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. (Luke 11:9) Here God invites us to knock at His door so He can reveal Himself to us and help with our needs. Jesus says, Everyone who asks receives, and He who seeks finds, and to Him who knocks it will be opened. (Luke 11:10.) The interesting thing about Jesus' use of the word “knock,” is that it means “to keep on knocking.” Persistently, confidently…trusting in the love and faithfulness of God to answer us. So, this is the way it works: Christ knocks at our door and gains entrance; we knock at Christ's door and gain more of His presence and fellowship, and provision for every need. God wants all to come to the knowledge of the truth. That's all; not just the holy, not just the religious, not just the virtuous—but all. That's us.
Reconnecting:	Have you thought about the things you've read in the Introduction to the book? What was the most important thing you read there? Have you read the first chapter, God Show Me That You Exist , and answered the Talk About This questions in the Study Guide? Then it's time to…
Talk About This:	•  Do you need God to show you that He exists? Or that He knows and cares about you? Are you willing to pray right now for a new revelation of his presence? •  What do you think might happen if you do? What do you think it might change in your life when the awesome God answers that prayer? •  In thinking it over, can you see ways in the past in which God may have tried to show you that He is there?—that He is paying attention and working in your life? Can you remember times of special blessing? Rescue from harm? Unexpected provision? Share some of these things with the group. Anthony says, “Believing in God is not some phase you go through. It's not a hobby you lose interest in or a love affair that stops being passionate. True faith is a constant progression.” We all long to progress in faith and to communicate with God. •  Talk about the history of God's attempts to communicate with humankind. (Page 13) •  What was His most direct act of communication? How has that affected your life? •  How might knowing that God really exists change your outlook on life? How might it keep you progressing in faith even when life's road gets rough?
Action:	Time to pray for one another. You can break into smaller groups for this, so that everyone has a chance to pray and to be prayed for. And no matter how long you've been on your spiritual journey, this is the time to pray “God, show me that you exist.” Remember to pray that prayer daily, too. Then, watch for His response. And keep watching! You may receive an immediate answer, or you may have to be patient, but it will happen. When it does, be sure to include it in your notes and share it with the Group so they can rejoice with you and give praise to God.
Closing Prayer:	Father in Heaven, we all need a fresh reminder of Your presence, a fresh contact with Home. Help us never to lose sight of Your fingerprints on our lives; of the times You have aided us, provided for us, protected us. Give us grateful, thankful hearts. As we recite the past outpouring of Your grace, let our faith for the present and the future burn red-hot. That's what we need, Lord, fresh fire! We declare our need for You, and with all our hearts we request the pleasure of your company. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Assignment:	Read Chapter 2. Memorize the Scripture. Answer the Talk About This questions. Write down the answers to that special prayer you're going to be praying: God, show me that you exist!