Finding peace in moments of uncertainty, growth, pain, and truth opened myself up to intimacy with others and the Lord. Revealing anxious and immature hearts is God’s specialty. He does not leave us there exposed in our naivety but delivers us into His love and presence. I have experienced this enduring peace throughout my time in this new environment. The Lord’s has led me to further my faithfulness in Him. My baptism is a taste of my testimony to follow this statement.
During a challenging teaching, my mind and heart became unsettled. I became closed off to what was being said and wanted to remove myself from the discomfort. The Lord had already convicted my heart to be baptized earlier on in the day but I grew hesitant as I was listening to the speakers. I knew I needed to be listening to the Lord and what he wanted for me instead of the one who spoke the loudest. Thanks to God, this teaching was outside and I stepped away from the crowd and into the sun. As the sun embraced my skin with the trees dancing and the crickets chirping, the Lord was softening my heart. I prayed for clarity, an open heart to the teaching and peace. Turning back to the speakers, though I disagreed with many things said, I began to listen for the truths they were speaking. I was led over to the baptism pools to pray over people coming out of the water, relying on God’s peace but searching for His presence. In prayer and praise, I found myself at the side of one of my leaders (Bernadette) and was able to discuss the challenges of the session. Our discussion ended with a hug and I felt the body of Christ at work. I became filled with encouragement, love, clarity and peace. I call it a Jesus hug! Now in confidence, I stepped forward to be baptized. I declared myself, in deep understanding, dead to the world and myself and now fully alive in Christ.
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
You have an amazing heart, and it shows. Acts 17:11 calls the Bereans noble for searching the scripture to align with what they are hearing. Be bold in searching scriptures and testing what is said.
What a wonderful heart, open to hear the Lord and love people – flaws and all. It is encouraging to see you you seek the Lord in all things.
Dear one, you are learning so much sooner than I did… I received the gift and was slow to open it and enjoy it. I love John 14… thank you for encouraging your ole auntie. I love you!
This quote from my devotional seems to fit you perfectly. “Be willing to live by believing and neither think nor desire to live in any other way. Be willing to see every outward light extinguished, to see the eclipse of every star in the blue heavens, leaving nothing but darkness and perils around, if God will only leave in thy soul the inner radiance, the pure bright lamp which faith has kindled.” Thomas C. Upham Keep shining my sweet Marly. All my love…