We arrived at Botswana on November 6th where we took a day to rest at a campsite called Mokolodi. We enjoyed each other’s company alongside a roaming piglet, a giant sleeping pig, chickens, cats, and a dog named Lizzie. Afterwards, we headed to Gabarone where we rode another bus for 10-hours before meeting our ministry host Pastor John in Kazungula, a small community near Kasane.
On the bus, a man across my seat gestured a greeting. I was surprised by his desire to talk to me since it was about 9 pm and I assumed most people would be wanting to sleep. He overheard me saying that I was a missionary and wanted to offer me encouragement.
He began sharing details about his life to me. He was from Zambia but worked in Botswana as a gardener. As he shared family photos with me, I can see how excited and joyful he was. He spoke of his children’s achievements and his eagerness to see his pregnant wife in February.
Although we have different traditional backgrounds, what we had in common was more important. We both love Jesus. There, in a dark, bumpy, quiet bus ride we talked about Jesus. He glorified God, telling me of all his answered prayers. Everything he had was a gift from above. And, he recognized that he is heard because God knows him, and he knows God.
When we arrived at his bus stop, we parted ways with a feeling in my Spirit that I had made a new friend. I was eager to pray for him, offer encouragement to his family, and see the gender of their baby. Jesus connects people with each other so well. One of his statements resonated with me. He knows God.
At church here in Kasane, we discussed Romans 10:2, “I know what enthusiasm they have for God, but it was misdirected zeal.” How often do we get excited and enthusiastic for God, but when asked about Him we have no idea what to say? How often does our impression of God change when we face trials? How often do we give up praying when our prayers aren’t answered in the way or timing in which we like?
How well do I know God? I realized there were so many times I should have been talking to Him, but instead I was trying to figure Him out on my own. I was content with the shallow relationship we had. My understanding of God lacked depth. And, when life got hard, I didn’t know to how to turn to Him because I didn’t know Him at all.
I thought about my conversation with this man on a bus ride in Botswana. We were once strangers but now acquaintances simply because I took the time to get to know about him and his family. I can have the opportunity to get to know them more if we continue to keep in touch. When life gets hard we can even reach out to each other and offer prayers and consolation.
Sounds like the progression of my relationship with God. Once a stranger, then an acquaintance, then a good friend, then a close family member. So close that He calls me daughter. He prepared a place for me at His table, and I have an inheritance in His Kingdom. Just like I would ask my earthly daddy questions about his likes/dislikes, his past experiences, and what he’s passionate about, I can ask those of my Father God too. I can get to know His heart through His word. My relationship with God changed when I took the time to get to know Him.
I had many missed opportunities and unintentional time spent with my earthly daddy. There are more questions I could have asked him. And I regret not prioritizing getting to know him more. I guess I always said to myself, “I’ll have time later.”
But, the truth is, time is not ours to control. We have no idea when later will be too late. I don’t want to regret not getting to know God deeper each day, like I regret not knowing my earthly daddy more. I don’t want to get to the gates of Heaven only to hear Jesus say, “I never knew you” (Matthew 7:21-23).
So, when God gives me an invitation saying, “Come, get to know Me,” I eagerly respond, “Yes!” I want to be enthusiastic for Him. And, I want my zeal for His word to come from a genuine knowledge of knowing who He is. There’s more to learn. It’s a never-ending, always growing, never a dull moment, exhilarating, and intimate relationship with God.
