Knowing the Ways of God vs Knowing His Acts

Is there a difference between knowing the ways of God vs knowing the acts of God? Some may think they are one and the same, but they are not. One will bring you into a place of a reverential fear and awe of God while the other brings you into a place of unhealthy fear of Him. I’ve often thought about this when I read the story of the children of Israel at Mount Sinai after the Lord brought them out of Egypt.

Knowing the acts of god

The children of Israel were witness to mighty acts of God from the time of the 10 plagues in Egypt, through their crossing the Red Sea, receiving supernatural manna in the wilderness, to their arrival at Mount Sinai (See Exodus 7-32). After being a witness to all of these miraculous, awe inspiring acts they still rebelled against God. They grew impatient as they waited for Moses, believing he was not coming back down from the mountain. So, they built for themselves a golden calf for them to worship.

I always wondered how could that happen after seeing such miraculous acts of God. I’ve realized it was the same during Jesus’ day, and it is the same today. Many know the mighty miracles, wonderful acts, and the punishment of God, but most won’t seek out the ways of God. It is the same difference between seeking his hand (His provision) vs seeking his face (His presence)..

knowing the waysof god

We cannot know God through our own human efforts of observation and reasoning. To know His ways is to know His character. The bible says God Himself can only be known by revelation, and we know His ways through submission to Him (Matthew 11:25-29; Eph. 1:17). So, how can we accept His ways unless He reveals Himself to us? He reveals himself to us through a personal and intimate relationship with Him. And, Intimacy builds trust.

After all the encounters Moses had with God and all the mighty acts he’d witness God do, including the times God used him to perform these acts, he still humbly prayed and asked God to show him His ways.

Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.”
Exodus 33:13 ESV

Psalm 103:7 says that God made His ways known to Moses. God’s ways represent who He is. Moses saw all the wondrous acts of God, but he knew God’s heart, His faithfulness, and His mercy. He also walked in the ways of God through his obedience to Him.

He made known his ways to Moses,
his acts to the people of Israel.
Psalm 103:7 ESV

Knowing God and walking in His ways is tied to obedience. Each day we choose to walk in obedience we become more like Christ. Do you seek to know Him? Do you have a desire to know what’s on His heart? If so, this will require you to surrender your plans, desires, and agenda to pick up His. Remember, He is God who knows everything. He knows your end from your beginning and is the One who knows your destiny. His plans for you are good. If this is your desire, ask Him to show you His ways. He really does want to reveal them to you! Check out my post “10 Practical Ways to Grow Close to God” to strengthen your relationship with Him.