One of the things I love about the Apostle Paul is that he wasn’t afraid to talk about Jesus to anyone, because he knew that anyone could—and anyone actually might—put their faith in God. He knew and preached the truth summed up in today’s declaration.

In Acts 17, Paul began debating with a group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. Some called him a babbler, others wanted to hear more. So, they brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus and asked to know about the new teaching he was presenting. I love how Acts 17:20 records the Athenians saying, “You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we would like to know what they mean.” And then verse 21 says, “All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas” (NIV). Wouldn’t that have been an interesting place to be!

Paul told the people of Athens what I declare to you. If we reach out to God, we don’t have to reach far. We will find him because he is not far from any one of us. Paul stood in front of really smart philosophers and told them how easy it was to find Jesus. On his missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire, Paul stood in front of men and women from all different walks of life with different traditions and different lifestyles. His message was always the same: God is not far from anyone.

I’m reminded of Psalm 139, which says, “If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast” (NIV).

Isn’t it great to know that no one is far from God—even if they’re running hard in the opposite direction. All that’s needed is to stop, turn around, and look up. God is not far away. He can be found by anyone who seeks him—no matter where they come from or what they’ve believed. God is close by everyone—devout followers, back sliders and even those who seem totally distant from God. The same word that Paul preached to Greek philosophers in ancient times is every bit as true for you and me today.

I’m excited to be teaching Women’s Bible study this fall, and I’ve posted the details as well as a registration form on my website. Please take a minute to check it out by visiting shawnamariebryant.com. The Bible study is based on my book, Longing to Belong, and it will teach you how to make a habit of reading the Bible not just for information, but also for conversation. We will take time each week to make declarations of truth. After all, your tongue has power. Use it for good.

This week’s scripture: Acts 17:24-27