Written By: Jonathan A. Bridgers Jr. •

Usually people need to see things before they believe. They want concrete proof, even visual confirmation before they can confidently take a stand on a particular subject. They need to see a miracle before they’re willing to believe. I find it odd after many people witnessed the miracles Jesus performed, they still chose not to believe He was/is the Messiah/Son of God. That leads me to believe people will believe what they want, whether they have “proof” or not. I have never seen God physically, but there’s no doubt in my mind that God is real.  On numerous occasions I have heard people around me describe God as their protector, healer, and provider. I have even heard people sing songs in church and on the radio…” miracle worker, promise keeper, light in the darkness, my God that is who You are.” One might ask, how do you know God is real if you have never seen Him in the flesh? My answer to them would be clear. I believe in the Word of God. But the question is, how do I, for myself, know that God is in fact real?

Recently I was involved in a car accident. My very first accident, and I just so happened to be the driver while my little sister was a passenger. That was by far the toughest situation I have ever experienced. While it was beyond devastating and disappointing, I totaled my very first car. God kept my sister and I safe; not one scratch on our bodies. Nothing, and no one, but God, kept everyone involved in the accident safe and unharmed. He protected us all from suffering physical harm. God made sure I was safe. There’s no doubt in my mind God was there with us, watching over us. I’m sure of it, no one can tell me any different.  Did I physically see Him? No, of course not. Did I feel His presence? Yes! Did He calm my anxiety and nerves after the accident? Yes. Did He help me in the weeks following the accident to let go of the guilt and shame? Yes! When I think back on the accident, replaying each moment in my mind, it is mind blowing to think no one was hurt. That was nothing but God protecting me and everyone else on the road. I am very blessed and thankful for God’s protection and mercy.

Earlier, I mentioned my reason for believing God is real is, because I believe the Word of God to be true. That’s my simple answer to anyone that might ask me how I know for sure.  The bible provides all the answers we seek, including how we know if God is real or not. In 1 Corinthians 8:6 it states, “Yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.” This tells us that there is only one God whom we live by. In John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This means God is real because the Word is real.

Everyone has their own experiences with how God has revealed Himself to them. I know God is real, because I have witnessed God protect me in different situations. I have also witnessed change in others, and I know that was God transforming them.  Others know He exists because they have seen God work miracles in their own life or the lives of people around them. They have seen God help people overcome challenges naysayers might have thought were impossible to overcome. They have seen Him turn negative situations into unimaginable victories. Their witness, and praise during and after their trial could be only to God. When I look out the window, and see the trees, birds, clouds, and people walking around…I know God…my God created all of what I see. My question to you: How do you know God is real?