Is God Real? How Can I know? Seeking Jesus from the Edges

How Can I Know God Is Real ?
Pastor Calvin Cook
September 17, 2025

I am going to spend some time over the next couple of days trying to answer some questions both from those who believe, for those who are searching, and for those who are downright opposed to believing in God. I am prayerfully seeking to answer some of these questions in a way that brings hope and assurance, in a God, and a Way (being a follower of Jesus) that has worked for me and millions of others throughout history.

Today the question: How can I know God is real, keeps emerging, especially in these very interesting times.

There are days when the noise of the world is so loud that it makes me pause and ask—how can I still know God is real today? With so much chaos, pain, and doubt swirling around us, sometimes faith feels like reaching for something in pitch black darkness and then trying to hold on to that.

But when I stop and look closer, I realize God is still revealing Himself. That Jesus is still offering forgiveness and that the Holy Spirit is still comforting and working. Not always in the dramatic ways I might expect, but in steady, quiet ways that whisper, I am here.

One of the old standard ways that we come to reason God is when we look at creation. Lately the beautiful days we have been experiencing, I have heard comments about the beauty that God has created in the trees, mountains, rivers, in all of creation. Going deeper – in my life every sunrise tells me He is faithful. Every breath in my lungs reminds me He is the Giver of life. As the psalmist says:
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” — Psalm 19:1

I know God is real because of what He has already done in my life. You really don’t know me, and I really don’t know you. I’m speaking about the inner depths of our heart, mind, and soul. Sometimes we are good at putting up good fronts, but only you and God know the inner depths of our makeup and spirit. And only you and I along with God can reason if that is good. I can trace God’s working all over my story. Times when He provided, healed, forgave, and guided me when I didn’t even realize it in the moment. Times when grace was so much more than what I or any other human force could do. Looking back, I can see that I was never walking alone. Even in present day dealings with loneliness, I am constantly reminded of the presence of God and for that I’m very thankful because it keeps me centered and from doing something stupid.

I know God is real because His Word still speaks. Even when I’m weary, even when the world feels confusing, His promises anchor me. The words of scripture seem like most days, were written directly to me.

And I know God is real because of His Spirit within me. The peace that comes when I pray. The conviction that pulls me back when I wander. The strength that rises up when I have none left of my own. These are not things I can do on my own —they are gifts of a living God and a Spirit that is at work in me to be poured out of me.

So when I ask, How can I know God is real today? the answer is this: because I see Him in creation, I remember Him in my story, I hear Him in His Word, and I feel Him in my heart. He is not far away—He is still here.

Did you catch the feeling of him in your heart part. That is where it all begins – Accepting and knowing Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life. But some choose not to – and that is where the doubting begins and why there is so much wrong in life and in the world. The other thought would be that you are expecting God to do everything you want and when that doesn’t happen, you doubt forgetting the “thy will be done” part of the Lord’s prayer.

This morning I’m praying for the one who doubts including the times when I doubt. If I can help please let me know.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for reminding me that You are real, here, and present in my life. Open my eyes to see You in the everyday. Strengthen my faith when doubt creeps in. Help me to hold fast to Your promises and to walk each day in the assurance that You are with me. Amen.