Sometimes we have to go back to the place where we first fell in love. The place where we heard the call answered and was chosen; or when we were so broke down spiritually, we were at the brink of spiritual death. Where God picked us up an held us in his arms like a baby.
For me, that is not hard to remember. It was by his mercy and grace that I just happen to be in the right place at the right time with an ear to hear. Through the man of God I heard the voice of the Lord from a distance in a park. Of course I'd been to church before and I've even had some miraculous events take place in my life prior to that. Yet as a young adult married with kids, I didn't care to read the word or get involved with following Christ. I thought believing who he was, what he did and acknowledging him was enough.
Needless to say; by thinking that way, I didn't enjoy the benefits. When I speak of benefits, I'm talking about the fruits of the spirit and the relationship with God.
I was still lost and didn't even know it. In 1991 I was a single parent of 5 beautiful children, living in the projects for almost a year. During the time I was unemployed, feeling like the black sheep of my immediate family, because of my lack and failed relationships. I smiled on the outside, but was dying on the inside.
One day somebody put in the back door titled"Soul Explosion", offering free food and drinks. I thought to myself, "Oh we're going there, I won't have to cook and can save a meal". The kids were excited about it too. When we got there, I was shocked for some dumb reason, at the amount of people there. We walked around the park, than all of a sudden I heard this man's voice. It was strong and powerful to my ears, so I had to stop and pay attention. It was Pastor Michael Patterson (now Bishop Patterson). He was talking about Jesus Christ and how he died for our sins and could give us a new life and eternal life.
I wanted that new life and I wanted it to be eternal. So I stayed and signed up to be picked up for church service. I went to church the next Sunday and gave my life to the Lord. I began to read the bible. I began to pray and talk with God, I began to feel more peace, more joy and more alive as I became part of the family of God. A beautiful, never ending relationship was established. Many things took place after that, blessings, trials, battles, miracles, etc; but my life was never the same. I was changed and being changed.
Glory to God and Bless the Lord!
When I think about that day, I know it was only by God's mercy and grace that I was saved. I was saved from spiritual death and destruction. My children were saved from a life of death and destruction. I was saved from hell. I was saved for eternal life in Christ!
Glory to God and Bless the Lord!
The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth (Psalm 145:18).
And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear (Isiah 65:24).
For many are called, but few are chosen (Matthew 22:14).
I am a witness, if you call he will answer.
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