God Is Not a "Once in a While" God

In this episode of Round Table Conversations with Yolimar, we talk about what it truly means to have a relationship with God, not a “once in a while” connection, but a daily surrender and intentional pursuit of His presence.

Inspired by a recent conversation and messages heard in church, this episode explores how often we give God leftover time while expecting Him to consistently provide, protect, guide, and sustain us. The truth is: God is not a once in a while God. He is always present, always faithful, and always working on our behalf.

Together, we reflect on:

•  Why intimacy with God requires intentional time 
•  How transformation happens through consistent connection with Christ 
•  The difference between knowing about God and truly knowing Him 
•  Why we cannot radiate spiritual light apart from God 
•  The powerful analogy between the sun and the moon — and what it teaches us about abiding in Christ 

This is not a message of shame or perfection. It’s an invitation to go deeper. Because the more time we spend with God, the more our hearts begin to change, our focus begins to shift, and our lives begin to reflect His glory.

If you’ve been feeling spiritually distant, inconsistent, or hungry for more of God, this conversation is for you.

Thank you for spending this time with me. If this episode spoke to your heart, share it with someone who may need encouragement today. Don't forget to follow the podcast so you never miss a new episode.

If you're looking for deeper support, I offer one-on-one coaching where we walk through life, faith, and healing together. You can connect with me at coachedbyyolimar@gmail.com.

Until next time, stay rooted in truth, walk in grace, and trust God in every season.

Transcript

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Welcome to Roundtable Conversations with Yolimar, a space for real faith-centered conversations about life. I'm Yolimar and I invite you to come with an open heart and mind as we grow together in truth, healing, and God's love. I was having a conversation recently with someone who told me they go to church once in a while. And there was no conviction in it, no desire for more, no hunger. They were content with once in a while. And I left that conversation thinking, how often do we approach God that way? Not just church attendance, but relationship. A once in a while prayer life, a once in a while surrender, a once in a while pursuit of God. And I want to say this carefully because this is not about condemning anyone. This is about remembering who God is. Because God is not a once in a while God. He doesn't just listen to our prayers once in a while. He doesn't protect us once in a while. He doesn't provide once in a while. Everything we have, every breath, every open door, every ounce of grace comes from Him. He is constantly working for us, even in the moments we do not recognize it. Lamentations three twenty two twenty three say because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail, they are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness. Every morning, not once in a while, not occasionally, every single day. God is faithful. And I started thinking about relationships. You don't just build intimacy with someone once in a while. You don't date someone once in a while and expect deep trust. Imagine someone saying I only talk to my spouse once in a while. That relationship will struggle because relationships require intentionality. You talk, you spend time together, you go on dates, you learn one another. And through consistency, trust is built, love deepens, safety develops, connection grows. So why do we give Jesus once in a while energy while expecting a deeply rooted relationship? Matthew six hundred thirty three reminds us, seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all things will be given to you as well. Seek first. Not seek when life falls apart, not seek when we need something, not seek once in a while. Seek first. And here's the beautiful part. God already knows us fully, completely. He knows every flaw, every insecurity, every struggle, every hidden place. We are not investing time with God so that He can get to know us. We invest time with God because we need to know Him. James four eight says, Come close to God and He will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. The invitation has always been there. God is not hiding from us, but relationships require pursuit. And somewhere along the line, our relationship with God should transform us, not just emotionally move us for a moment, but actually change us. Because Jesus did not die and shed his blood just for us to stay exactly the same. At some point there should be an inward transformation that begins revealing itself outwardly, the way we speak, the way we love, the way we respond, the way we carry ourselves. The more time we spend with Him, the more we begin to reflect Him. Romans twelve two says and do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God transformed, not occasionally inspired, transformed. And I really want someone listening to hear this part clearly. God is not expecting perfection before you come to him. In fact, it is through coming to him that we begin shedding the things that do not reflect him. We will forever need him, we will forever depend on him. That never changes. And this thought hit me deeply. The glory of God comes from being with God. And when we stop spending time with him, the reflection begins to fade. Not because God moved, but because we did. Look at the moon. The moon does not produce light on its own. It reflects light from the sun. And scientists explain that the brightness we see depends on the moon's position in relation to the sun. Alignment matters. The closer the alignment, the fuller the reflection. And I thought, isn't that us with Christ? We cannot radiate spiritual light on our own. We were never meant to generate glory independently from God. We reflect the light of the one we stay connected to. And without intimacy with God, without abiding in Christ, our light begins to dim. John fifteen four five says Abide in me and I in you, as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself. Unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me and I in him bears much fruit, for without me you can do nothing. Apart from him, we cannot sustain spiritual fruit. We cannot sustain spiritual light. Friends, we must move from a me focused life to a God focused life. Because when our eyes are consumed with ourselves, our world becomes small. But when our focus shifts towards God, our perspective expands, our hearts soften, our desires begin to change, our priorities begin to realign. Psalm one oh five four says Look to the Lord and His strength, seek His face always. Always not once in a while. So today this is not about guilt. This is about invitation, an invitation to go deeper, an invitation to stop giving God occasional access while expecting deep intimacy. Because the more time you spend with Him, the more you realize you cannot get enough of Him. Today I encourage you to sit with this. If your relationship with God reflected the same consistency you gave your most important earthly relationships, what would that relationship look like? Let me pray. God thank you for never being a once in a while God. Thank you for your constant love, your constant grace, your constant mercy, and your constant presence in our lives. Father, forgive us for the moments where we have given you leftovers, when you deserve our first and our best. Create in us a deeper hunger for you. Teach us to seek you daily, not out of obligation, but out of love. Lord, transform us as we spend time in your presence. Align our hearts with yours so that we may reflect your light well, and help us to remain close to you, not once in a while, but consistently. In your precious and holy name. Amen. Thank you for joining me at the table today. If this conversation encourages you, share it with a friend who may need it too. Until next time, may God bless you, guide you, and remind you you're never alone.