A Real God
Can real doubts turn into real faith? You know, where God actually takes hold of your life and becomes so near and real and all-powerful to you that there is no room for doubt anymore. Or fear. And your life with all them real fears and real doubts actually begins to trust by real faith. Because Christ has become that real to you.
And doubt turns to faith.
Can it be?
“Thomas said to [Jesus], ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’… ‘Unless I see in [Your] hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into [Your] side, I will never believe.’…
“Then [Jesus] said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.’
“Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’” - John 14:5; 20:25,27,28 (ESV)
Yes, it can be!
Christ can become that real to you.
Can real bitterness turn into real forgiveness? And real defiance into real repentance? You know, where freedom is real and God is real and real healing actually happens. Where there is no room for anger anymore. Or pride. And your life with all them real emotions and real struggles actually turns around to seek God wholeheartedly, heart, soul and mind. Because Christ has become that real to you.
And pride turns to humility.
Can it be?
“Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he …did what was evil in the Lord’s sight... But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the Lord his God and sincerely humbled himself before the God of his ancestors. And when he prayed, the Lord listened to him and was moved by his request… Then Manasseh finally realized that the Lord alone is God!” - 2 Chronicles 33:1-2, 12-13 (NLT)
Yes, it can be!
Christ can become that real to you.
Because when God is real. When all that Christ has done and will do and can do is real. When your one life experiences and knows the reality of Christ. And your confidence is built on the Solid Rock and Firm Foundation of Christ Jesus alone.
Then it’s true, the LORD speaks to a life, and the whisper of His voice cannot be mistaken.
Because doubt turns to faith, bitterness to forgiveness, and defiance into repentance when Christ becomes that real in a life. Yes and amen! Pride turns to humility, every time. Fear turns to faith, every time. For a real God speaks into a life, declaring, “I know you by name” (Exodus 33:17), every time!
****
“And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him…” - 1 Kings 19:12-13ESV