But God: What To Do When God Doesn’t Seem Near

I remember a time over a decade ago when I was going through a rough period. I wasn’t sure what I wished to do in life. My finances were a mess. I had some weight issues. And my mind was a mish-mash of roller-coaster emotions.

At one point I probably asked myself the age-old question, “But God, what is this?”

Fast forward to 2021, in the midst of a pandemic. I realize now that stage of my life was a testing ground. It was the impetus I needed to propel me to find out what I was really made of. God showed himself to me.

I no longer ask that question. However, whenever I see a problem, I’m very much aware that I can solve it in some way.

Now I see life as a way to say, “the devil almost took me out, ‘But God!’”

Do you see what I did there? Life may become a challenge but you can continue to make something of yourself by turning everything around. How did I move from there to here?

Journey with me.

STAGE 1 – Your Physical And Mental Health Is Vital

“My flesh and my heart faileth: But God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.”
Psalm 73:26

It is so essential to have good health in your life. It goes without saying that both the quantity and quality of life of a man are improved with better health.

Taking a holistic approach should let you know that diseases and conditions don’t just affect your physical looks. Your mental and emotional health can also affect you in a bad way if you are not careful. 

Find time to look after yourself.

I had to pause my thoughts and envision a brighter, healthier life. Simple things such as rest, exercise, eating healthier and more nutritious meals, being out in nature periodically, socializing, and growing in spiritual maturity became essential for me.

A day doesn’t pass currently where I don’t drink between 6-9 glasses of water. Additionally, I made sure I took doctor’s visits, dental visits, ophthalmologists visits, and any yearly health tests very seriously. However, there is also never a day when I don’t spend time with God, meditate on His Word, and pray.

This brings me to my next point.

STAGE 2 – Others May Fail You, But God Won’t

“For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:7-8

When having a dark or emotional time, it’s always best to talk it over with someone. A gym instructor, which I got eventually, could become a great mentor to assist in building up your physical health. You may even need to see a counselor or therapist (which I also had at one point). But God should be the guiding light through all of this.

Jesus is an ever-present help in times of trouble.

Frankly, there are some things that only God can really see you through completely.

You have a responsibility to take some practical steps to improve your life. But God is the one who controls it all.

In addition, find a good, wholesome Christian community and immerse yourself in it. Learn from others, get mentorship in the truths about God and His Word, stay accountable, and serve by giving your time and talents. You’ll be surprised to see what you could become. 

I never would have thought fifteen (15) years ago that I would become a lay leader, but here I am in 2021 assisting my pastor and elders with bible studies and sermons.

Time and God’s leading will show you who you really are.


STAGE 3 – Your Supply Cannot Ever Be Dry Because You Serve A God Who Owns All Things

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19

Another thing I tackled over time was my occasional thoughts on financial constraints. Until I learned who God really was!

This is a truth that many find difficult to grasp. Especially in the pandemic, it was a struggle for many after losing jobs or missing out on schooling.

But I have seen God work in my life. Turning the apparent barrenness into fullness.

The enemy loves to tell us lies. Making us think that what we have is not enough. Or worse, when we achieve something that it should not be celebrated. Know that everyone has a place in God’s eyes.

I have seen my personal needs supplied when everything seemed dry.

I have seen groups I’ve been a part of accomplishing things when all looked lost financially.

I have seen with my own eyes family and church members make it when people would have thought it would have not ended well.

One of God’s names is Jehovah-Jireh. It’s time we let that sink in and become real to us and not just theory.

I did a sermon about this recently at my local church entitled – Jireh – The God Who Provides.
See it here: https://fb.watch/90eDchlGkh/
[Starts at 1:07:00]

STAGE 4 – Life Is Meant To Be Lived

“He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living.”
Mark 12:27

Finally, I had to start to take life by the saddle, ride it like a chestnut, and rodeo the heck out of it.

If I’m not having fun, what’s the use? If my passions are not being fulfilled, why bother? If I’m not giving my all, is it even worth it?

I became a constant planner and very serious about executing and finishing. The more I put into my tasks, the more I got out of it. The more I hoped in God, the more I saw good happen in my life.

There’s more to this life than low emotions, feelings of hurt, incorrect thoughts of scarcity, and unhealthy mindsets and habits.

The enemy has plans to steal, kill and destroy, but God is even more awesome!