What does it mean to live a life without reservations? In a world filled with uncertainty, fear, and distractions, the idea of living fully surrendered to God can feel both liberating and daunting. Yet, in John 17:3, Jesus gives us a profound glimpse into what true life looks like. Eternal life, He says, is not merely about endless existence or some distant heavenly reward—it is about knowing God. This knowledge isn’t superficial or intellectual; it’s deeply personal, transformative, and relational. It’s an invitation to step into the fullness of God’s love and purpose for our lives.
John 17:3 King James Version
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
Knowing God: The Heart of Eternal Life
When Jesus speaks of knowing God, He’s not talking about mere facts or theological concepts. To know God is to experience Him—to walk with Him daily, to recognize His presence in every moment, and to trust Him as the loving Father He is. The word “know” in this verse comes from the Greek word ginosko, which implies intimate and experiential knowledge. It’s the same kind of knowing that describes the closeness of a marriage or the bond between best friends.
This kind of relationship with God transforms everything. It changes how we see ourselves, how we view others, and how we navigate life’s challenges. When we truly know God—His character, His promises, His heart for us—we begin to live with a sense of peace and purpose that nothing in this world can shake.
Eternal Life Is Here and Now
Many people think of eternal life as something that begins after death—a reward for living a good or faithful life. But Jesus turns that idea upside down. Eternal life isn’t just about quantity (living forever); it’s about quality—living fully in communion with God right now. It begins the moment we open our hearts to Him and accept His grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
This means that eternal life isn’t something we’re waiting for—it’s something we’re invited to experience today. Imagine the freedom of living each day knowing that you are deeply loved by the Creator of the universe. Imagine the joy of walking through life with the assurance that you are never alone. This is the gift of eternal life: not just an endless future but a transformed present.
What Holds Us Back?
If eternal life is available to us now, why do so many of us struggle to fully embrace it? The truth is, we often live with reservations—hesitations that keep us from surrendering completely to God. These reservations might look different for each of us:
- Fear of Losing Control: We like to plan our lives, set our goals, and determine our paths. Surrendering to God can feel risky because it means trusting Him with outcomes we can’t control.
- Doubt: Sometimes we wonder if God really has our best interests at heart. What if His plans don’t align with our desires?
- Busyness: In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to push our relationship with God to the sidelines.
- Past Hurts: Painful experiences can make it hard to trust God fully, especially if we feel He didn’t intervene when we needed Him most.
But here’s the beautiful truth: God understands our reservations. He meets us where we are—with compassion, patience, and grace—and gently invites us to let go.
Living Without Reservations
To live without reservations is not about being perfect or fearless; it’s about choosing trust over control and surrender over self-reliance. It’s about saying “yes” to God even when it feels uncertain or uncomfortable because we believe in His goodness.
Jesus Himself modelled this kind of life perfectly. In John 17—the chapter where today’s verse is found—He prays for His disciples just hours before His crucifixion. Despite knowing the suffering He was about to endure, Jesus prayed with complete trust in the Father’s plan. His prayer wasn’t filled with fear or doubt but with love—for His Father and for us.
When we follow Jesus’ example, we begin to live boldly for God’s glory. This doesn’t mean life will be easy or free from pain, but it does mean we can face every challenge with confidence because we know who holds our future.
Practical Ways to Know God More Deeply
How do we grow in this kind of relationship with God? Here are some practical steps:
- Spend Time in Prayer: Prayer isn’t just about asking for things; it’s about building intimacy with God. Take time each day to pour out your heart to Him and listen for His voice.
- Dive into Scripture: The Bible is more than a book—it’s God’s love letter to humanity. As you read it, ask yourself what it reveals about who God is.
- Worship Wholeheartedly: Worship shifts our focus from ourselves to God. Whether through music, gratitude, or acts of service, worship draws us closer to Him.
- Surround Yourself with Community: Faith isn’t meant to be lived out alone. Find a group of believers who encourage you in your walk with Christ.
- Trust Him in Your Struggles: Life will have its share of hardships, but these moments are often where we encounter God most deeply.
An Invitation Worth Accepting
John 17:3 offers us an invitation—not just to eternal life but to abundant life here and now. It invites us into a relationship so rich and fulfilling that nothing else compares.
If you’ve been holding back—whether out of fear, doubt, or busyness—know this: God isn’t asking for perfection; He’s asking for your heart. He longs for you to know Him as He knows you—to experience His love in ways that transform every corner of your life.
So today, take a step toward living without reservations. Surrender your fears and uncertainties into His capable hands. Trust that He has good plans for you—plans not just for eternity but for today.
Read More About This Devotional
Words of Wisdom: Spiritual Wisdom: A Guiding Light for Life’s Journey
Quote of the Day: “What is the value of this year if you are still the same as you were last year?”
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us what it means to truly know You and live without reservations. Help us surrender every part of our lives into Your hands—our fears, doubts, dreams—and trust You completely. Teach us how to walk in Your presence daily so that we may experience eternal life here and now. May Your love transform us from the inside out as we grow closer to You each day. In Your name we pray, Amen.
Scripture Reading for the Day
Psalms 11 King James Version
1 In the Lord put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?
2 For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart.
3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?
4 The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.
5 The Lord trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.
6 Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.
7 For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.
