Many would like the experience of ascending in a balloon and being driven by the wind, but don’t want the work and discipline of serving on the ground crew and chase team. I commend my wife, who faithfully served on a ground crew until she got “the nod.” “Ok, it’s your turn to go up.” She thoroughly enjoyed it and after descending was baptized as a certified high flyer. She is still an ardent balloon chaser. But many do not realize the preparation, expense, discipline, teamwork and knowledge it takes to pilot a balloon or even serve on the crew. Very few pilots can do it alone.

I must be honest. There is something more exhilarating than floating free through the sky in a hot air balloon or being a balloon chaser. It’s being a God chaser! Nothing can give you an everlasting joy and life like the presence of the Almighty and majestic God. To know Him up close and personal is unlike any thrill that earth has to offer.

“A God Chaser is a person whose passion for God’s presence presses him to chase the impossible in hopes that the uncatchable might catch him.” So writes revivalist Tommy Tenny in his transforming book, “The God Chasers.” “A child chases a loving parent until, suddenly, the strong arms of the father enfold the chaser…” Paul put it this way, “I chase after, that I may catch that which apprehended me.” (Philippians 3:12)

Job was a God chaser. He said, “Oh, that I knew where I might find Him!” David was one; he said, “My soul followeth hard after Thee.” (Psalm 63:8) Paul was a God chaser, “That I might know Him…” The paths of passionate God chasers can be followed through history, from Moses the stutterer, David the shepherd/singer, Paul caught up to the third heaven, and multitudes of others who had one common bond – an insatiable hunger to know the Lord. Says Tenny, “These people whose relentless, passionate pursuit of Christ often made them appear foolish in the eyes of others. Yet, having tasted His goodness and glimpsed the invisible, they could be satisfied with nothing less.”

Have you had that transforming experience that God gives to all those who seek Him in faith and brokeness? (See 2 Corinthians 5:17) “This is the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Thy face.” (Psalm 24:6, NASB) Are you willing to go after Jesus (the one who died on the cross for your sins) regardless of the cost? Many are like those who want the balloon ride without being on the chase team.

Throughout the Bible, we find that people who were desperate for God and disregarded the crowd. Will you go after Jesus regardless of how painful your present circumstances may be? Like the woman with the sickness described in Mark 5:25, perhaps you’ve exhausted all your resources. She still went after Jesus and was not disappointed.

God chasers must first open their hearts to Christ and invite Him in. (See Revelation 3:20) We must be like Apollos in Acts 18:24-28. He kept an open mind. He was hungry, not haughty. He was a God seeker, not a self-seeker. We must seek the face of God, not the hand of God; not wanting something from Him, but wanting to be like Him.

David was a God chaser. (Read Psalm 63:8) In Psalm 63 we see eight characteristics of God chasers. Take a brief look at them. 1. “Thou art my God.” (63:1) Do you know Him personally? “For as many as received Him (Jesus), gave He the power to become sons of God even to those who believe in His name.” (John 1:12) 2. Seek Him early and earnestly. (63:1) Balloon chasers are willing to get up early. What about God chasers? 3. Only the desperate and thirsty will find that place of soul satisfaction. (63:1) 4. You’ll see His power and glory in the sanctuary. (63:2) This speaks of teamwork and unity. Jesus said, “Where two or three gather together in my name, there am I in the midst.” A pilot cannot go it alone and neither can you. You need the body of Christ – the church. When we truly worship God with other believers, we can expect to see the power and glory of God. 5. “Because Thy loving kindness.” Only as you come to the mercy seat and receive His mercy can you ascend with the Master. (See Psalm 51). 6. Praise and worship of God, who is worthy, brings the fire and wind of the Holy Spirit to lift you up and direct you. (63:3-5) 7. Even in the darkest night, prayer and meditation on His Word will be as wings to lift you up. (Psalm 63:6-7) 8. “My soul clings to Thee” (63:8-11)

Keep your heart guarded and prepared for revival. Be faithful in the small things. When God begins to move in your life and church, don’t allow pride to enter in. Be broken before the Lord. One day you will hear Him say, “Well done good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of the Lord.” (Matthew 25:28)

Friend, no thrill on this earth can truly satisfy, only Jesus can. Multitudes have had a life changing God encounter and have become a life long God chaser. Why don’t you join the company of God chasers? (See Revelation 3:20) We just want to be with Him. He is waiting.

You can begin by praying a simple prayer like this in faith and sincerity:

“Lord Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. Forgive me of my sins. Please come into my life and be my Savior and Lord. Take my life and make me who you want me to be and give me the courage and strength to go where you want me to go. Amen.”