We live in temporary reality, not in virtual reality. All forms we face are similar to forms on computer's screen.
Are forms in computer screen real? Yes, they are enoufh real to edit document or play game. Are they ultimately real? No - when you switch computer off - these forms disapper.
The question - "What was before God" states that time was existing before God. But perhaps time is just our way to perceive experiences. Time separates one experience from another. What is our life? It is concequence of experiences providing us possibility for personal growth.