Are You For Real?

Have you ever asked yourself, “God is this for real?” I mean what if I have it wrong and the rest of them have it I right? What if there is no brass ring? Is it possible I’m chasing the never ending carrot? Do you really have my life in control?
Have you been believing God for something? A job, spouse, home, baby, your marriage, finances, health. You know you heard God tell you it was yours but it STILL hasn’t happened! You may be wondering did I really hear God.
If you have asked these questions and responded with, I don’t know anymore. I’m frustrated, I’m angry, I’m tired, I doubt, then your right where I was a few days ago. I was annoyed and frustrated and burdened by my circumstances. I went to bed with an attitude and woke up with one and could not seem to kick the mood. It would come and go with no warning. I still read my bible and even had great worship time with the Lord but then out of no where, bam there it was again. That “feeling” inside of me. The thing I hated the most was the feeling was not only inside of me but it was obviously mine. I felt like blowing off the whole Christian thing and just hanging out with me. The only problem with this plan was I didn’t exactly like me.
If it makes you feel any better there was a man in the bible, his name is with held to protect the innocent, who also felt this way. He is talking to Jesus and he says in Mark 9:24”I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Notice the exclamation mark, that’s in the bible I didn’t add it. This guy was struggling with his feelings and his son’s life was at stake!
I was on my way to lead a class to a group of women and it was already planned we would be listening to a CD. I figured that was best, I could just sit back and hide for the hour. Of course the Lord had other plans and told me to tell the ladies how I was feeling. I was like, I can’t do that I’m suppose to be positive and tell them about Christ stability and I’m on shaky ground myself. Isn’t God funny, it doesn’t matter how shaky we may feel He’s totally confident. So with my pride stuffed in my pocket I told those dear women how I was feeling and asked if anyone else ever felt the same way. Every hand raised and the Holy Spirit took over. I thought I was going to minister to them but the truth is we ministered to each other. I believe that’s how God wants us to do things anyway. I told them about my struggle and a conversation I had with my oldest son. He was the one that asked if I ever feel like I’m chasing the never ending carrot and I said yes. He then asked the important question “what makes you keep going?” I told him that every time I question God He reveals Himself to me again.
After I brought up this whole thing to the Lord He gave me Proverbs 2:3-6 and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
If you’re looking for hidden treasure you don’t just walk around and find it you have to dig and dig and dig. Maybe the times we’re having trouble with our beliefs could be considered “digging” times. You feel like your just lifting one shovel of dirt after another with no end in sight. Times like these are another reason I believe it’s important to study the old and new testament together. The Old Testament establishes who God is and the New Testament establishes what Christ died for and how the Holy Spirit was given so we can make it through the digging times. If you found a treasure chest filled with jewels and gems would you only keep half and put the other half back into the ground? NO WAY!
Sometimes we have to search for God as we would for silver or gold and in that hidden treasure is more insight, understanding and belief. I told my son that since I know there is no such thing as coincidence it can only be God. The day after this conversation my daughter-in-law called me and I offered to keep my grandsons while she went to work. She had other plans but I persisted that I would watch them until their dad came. She agreed and not 20 min. later called me from her cell phone, she was in a car accident. Chances are my youngest grandson would have been injured. I knew God was revealing himself to me because I needed to see Him. That is just one of many examples, I’m sure you can think of a few in your own life. I want to encourage you that weather we admit it or not many of us have times like this in our lives. If you go before the Lord with a sincere and respectful heart and tell Him how your feeling (He knows anyway) He is faithful in not only showing Himself to you but revealing something new as well. Our circumstances or unbelief never changes God’s plan for us. So the next time you ask are you for real, grab a shovel and start digging there’s treasure in them hills!



Gena’s Jewels