DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I guess you could say I'm a "Christmas-and-Easter" Christian, since those are usually the only days I manage to get to church. But what's wrong with that? After all, I believe in God, and that's the important thing, isn't it?
-- J.H.
DEAR J.H.: I'm thankful you at least believe in God, even if faith isn't an important part of your life. Jesus said that even if our faith is small, it can become great: "It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds .... Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants" (Mark 4:31-32).
This is why I hope you won't be satisfied with the small faith you presently have, because God wants it to grow and become an important part of your life. To put it another way, the real question I hope you'll seek to answer is: What does God want to do in your life? Life's greatest joy comes from knowing God and discovering His plan for our lives.
First, He wants you to commit your life to Him by giving yourself to Jesus Christ. We need God's forgiveness and cleansing from our sins -- and He has made this possible through Jesus' death and resurrection. By a simple prayer of faith ask Christ to come into your life.
Then learn to walk with God every day. Just as we enjoy being with someone who loves us, so God wants us to enjoy being with Him. This happens as He speaks to us through His Word, the Bible, and as we talk to Him in prayer. It happens also as we draw strength from other believers.
Write to Billy Graham in care of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C. 28201 or visit the website at
billygraham.org
Style on 05/20/2014