Mission FireFly » Devotionals » Gracie

Is There a Block Between You & God

Are you experiencing a barrier between yourself and the big guy? This might just be for you.

Well, I just wanted to start by saying that for me I've found that faith is no walk in the park. Hehe, I'm always going through ups and downs on my journey with the Lord. At first I used to think that I should always be on the spiritual high I was when I really came to accept Jesus, but in reality that's not the case. We all have questions and circumstances that can hold us back or drive us forward during our times of faith, so just keep going.

If you are being kept back from feeling close to God, the question is, why? Is it just that spiritually you just don't feel connected? Are there questions that you feel need to be answered in order to believe properly? Does a life without God appear to be very appealing? Or are you looking for a sign?

What you are experiencing could be one or a mix of these things or reasons entirely different. Maybe take a chance to sit down and reflect on your struggles, perhaps write them down- on paper they'll be a lot clearer. If it's any help; you're not alone here, as all Christians have these problems. And that's what makes faith "faith" - believing when it seems completely absurd!

Have you asked God to bless you with his Grace, to come into your life? Jesus says; "So I tell you, ask, and God will give to you. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will open for you. Yes, everyone who asks will receive. The one who searches will find. And everyone who knocks will have the door opened." Luke 11:9-10

How great is that statement? Jesus has promised us that as long as we keep trying, we'll find salvation with him. So I tell you, don't give up. Try talking to God about it, how you feel. After all, it's a two way thing. With your friends you have to keep in touch or gradually you'll drift apart. It's the same with God, a relationship! But the difference here is that God will always make the effort to stay your friend whilst those on Earth might begin to have new interests. Will you keep in contact with God? Are you trying to and hearing nothing in response? Keep an ear out for him, pray, read the Bible, learn as much as you can- he may be speaking to you but you just don't know it yet. You have to become spiritually attuned, like Jesus.

Don't spend your time looking for some amazing sign to convert you; they'll be plenty of small ones, but not necessarily what you want. Jesus said "Evil and sinful people are the ones who want to see a miracle or a sign. But no sign will be given to them, except for the sign of the prophet Jonah..." Matthew 12: 38-42. And isn't the sign of Jesus on the cross an amazing enough sign, that he laid down his life for us when he was completely innocent?

My Mum once mentioned to me that maybe the signs from God you get are as big as you need. You might get prompting, i.e. for me at the moment, God keeps pushing the parable of the Prodigal Son in my face! I still haven't worked out why yet!

Now if we look at Paul, who went blind for a few days and think - "Why don't I get a sign like that?" we have to remember that actually, Paul (or Saul as he was) was a strong, bitter man, who actually persecuted Christians. It was going to have to be something pretty big to make him change! And another thing- if something like that happened to you- wouldn't it terrify you beyond belief? Would you really want it? Remember, God's ways are always the best for us.

And finally (last point, honest!), even though you're having a hard time with God, the most inspiring thing to know is that he's overjoyed that you're trying to find him! To him, you are a wonderful, amazing piece of art and- well if you can imagine the happiest you've ever been and multiply it by several trillion, that's just how he feels when you try and connect with him. So keep holding on, I know you'll get there!

Good luck, a big hug and God bless!