Dr. Paul of the Bible, experienced this same kind of “JOB” experience. Yes, he was a man of letters, full of the wisdom of this world, conclusive in all reasoning. One day he found himself on the road to Damascus, and the reality of his life that he spoke of in Romans chapter seven, caused him to cry out: “Oh wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” (Romans 7:24.) While in this state, Paul realized that the wisdom of this world is “foolishness,” and leads only to confusion of mind. In a way Paul had to be de-programmed and reprogrammed. His eyes were blinded as an indication that he had become blinded by the things of this world. His reprogramming began when he realized that the physical scales over his eyes were removed by a man, by all worldly measure, was of simple learning. It was then that Paul began his intellectual pursuit of God. He was knowledgeable of the scriptures and began to understand and teach Jesus as the Messiah, using what he already knew from the Old Testament. But this was not enough to qualify him to write the majority of the New Testament. He had to have his “JOB” experience, he had to SEE God and gain his “JOB” results (II Corinthians 12:1-9.)

When we intellectuals, like Paul, discover our Romans chapter 7 experience, we more often than not, begin to reach back to those basic principles of our upbringing, searching for the God of our youth given us by our parents. We become Bible scholars. We attend church. We debate about the merits of belief. Then we finally come to the conclusion that even in resorting to this recourse nothing has changed. The confusion is still present as is the deception, the depressions, the broken lives. And more than that, the people of the church are viewed as hypocritical.

My word to you today is this: do not be side tracked by a misconception of where you are in your return to basic teachings about God. You are on the right track. Did not Job feel the same frustrations? What you have to realize is that the JOB experience was for Job, not for Job’s friends. The role that his friends played was that of a stumbling block to his victory in God. The truth is this; God was taking Job to another level in spirituality. He had to climb that hill alone. Job’s friends did not understand Job’s relationship with God. They could only evaluated Job’s situation based on their own level of spirituality. Like Job, you too must climb alone to your new level of spirituality. You can no longer deduce conclusions about God based on your perceived knowledge from the Bible. In other words, you can no longer intellectualize God. In the book of Revelation we are told that as true believers we are now “Priests.” There comes a day that each priest can no longer remain in the “Holy” place, but must move into the “Holiest of Holy” place. It is there that the priest of the Bible met God. It became his time to “SEE” God. If you are to climb to a new level in God, you must move from your comfort zone of intellectuality to the spiritual zone of revelation. To do this cannot and will not involve another. It is just you and God. True revelation comes from God only. This is where Job was in Chapters 38-41. He could experience God’s revelation to him and him only. He had entered the “Holiest of Holy” place. This is what is meant in Job 42:5.

Job’s new reality of God made him more aware of himself. He became in his own eyesight detestable and felt the need to repent (Job 42:6.) Isaiah had this same experience in Isaiah chapter 6 with the same results, feeling unclean. In both instances, each became a vessel usable by God. Remember, Paul told us in Romans 12:1-2 to render our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is our reasonable service. Verse 2 makes it clear that we must do away with our own mind (intellect) and be renewed in our minds. Paul, the Ph.D., says to us in Philippians 2:5 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”

The essence of what I am saying to you is: when you limit yourself to just reading and studying the Bible, praying and attending church, you remain in the “Holy” place. God wants you to take a most needed next step and enter the “Holiest of Holy” place where he can bless you and prepare you for the work he has created you to do. A part of that blessing is to rid you of all confusion, all deception, all depression, and all that impair you for His service. Herein lies your venture into reality.

How does one enter the “Holiest of Holy” place? I am certain this is your “logical” question emerging from your intellect. The answer is simple because for each person it is different. Allow your self time to email me or write me or call me. Perhaps God will let us together answer that question for and about you. What a blessing it is to discover God’s special plan for you, and Yes! God does have a special plan for you. Therein lies the essence of your reality: Consider the following scripture:

Jeremiah 29:11-14 (NLT)

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me. I will be found by you.” says the LORD.