Make God Real

Women of Faith:

Jesus is the Reason for the Season!

But is God/Jesus REAL to me?

Am I seeing His signs, listening and answering God’s call in my life like Mary (and Joseph) who believed in God’s message and said yes to His call? “Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?" And the angel said to her in reply, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you…. Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." Luke 1: 26-38

Or am I like Solomon who ignored God’s signs, turned to the devil’s temptations, and created a façade which would be torn down—because it was a building of man (a temple) rather than a building of God (His people)?

When I started to write this reflection this morning I realized that it was no longer just a handful of signs that God has given to Stan & I—but rather that the signs that we are blessed with are more and more frequent—not earth shattering or lightening striking signs—although we’ve had a few of those, but rather “just” everyday prayers being answered.

And I don’t think it is because God is giving the world/us more signs and miracles that we are being blessed by them. Rather I think it is because we are praying for miracles, praying for signs, praying that God would be REAL to us.

I have had numerous people write to say that this writing was just what they needed to hear today—yet I can’t possibly know what all of you are thinking, praying for or needing to hear. I only put on paper what has meaning for me and what God puts in my heart to share.

But just as this particular reflection may touch you, so have we had our own prayers answered within minutes of asking God—“what do we/I do next?”--a song or show on EWTN or Christian radio, a message in this week’s sermon or today’s scripture, a single bible verse heard on KLYF 101.9, or a text message from a friend.

I have had nights with meeting conflicts where one event got cancelled or another rescheduled so that I could do everything I felt called too do.

Stan & I have met someone on the street, in the grocery store, or at a ball game just when I, or they, or we, needed to talk about or support one another in prayer.

We have had couples that have come into our lives thru an EWTN TV show “Marriage Works in Christ” –and an answered call to join www.thealexanderhouse.org . This ministry has enriched our lives as much as it enriches the marriages that we have been blessed to share their date night and coaching programs with.

And of course there are those “chance” happenings: a near miss auto accident, a conversation with a stranger, or an unexpected phone call. And we have learned not to force meetings or words with those we know—waiting instead for God to give us the chance meeting and the right words. (And sometimes our patience isn’t the best )!

Oh and yes, I have had BIG prayers answered, miracle worthy answers to a prayerful plea and I believe I have quite literally seen at least one angel
(in the form of a police officer, no less).

Yet not every sign has been what I expected or thought I would be blessed by. But I am learning more and more to TRUST in the signs; to answer the call; to heed his warnings. Sometimes it takes hearing the message 4 or 5 times; missing the answer to a prayer 4 or 5 times; or being patient to receive an answer. But eventually I have realized that it was God talking, God providing a solution, God setting up roadblocks, or clearing the path—I just have to follow His lead.

Heavenly Father, praise be your very REAL presence in our lives. Thank you for the birth of Your son and the giving of His life to save mine. May I continue to be blessed to hear, see and follow Your signs. And may all those who read this message be blessed to see that you are REAL. Amen.

May you be blessed with the REAL Spirit of Christmas,
Merry Christmas from the Upah family,
Charlotte