There was a time when I turned my back on God. I denied His existence.
He took my best friend "my father" even though I prayed that He'd heal
and keep him on this earth. I was only nine then, but for many years, I
wanted nothing to do with God. Although later I married and had three
children, my heart was still hardened.
My wife was a believer, so
naturally, she tried to encourage me to read the Scriptures, but the
more she tried, the more hostile I became. I wanted to stop her from
witnessing to others; at one point, she hid the family Bible in our
home. Finally, she prayed that God would deal with me, and so He did. In
a horrific and vivid dream, I saw myself entering the pit of hell. The
sights, sounds, and stench were indescribable. I was literally scared to
death. Shortly thereafter, God lightened my heart. I knew how much He
truly loved me. One week later, at 3:00 a.m., I wrote the following:
You know I met a man today
He stands about six feet tall
He
seems to be a friendly sort
With eyes so remarkable
I think
that I could like this man
For I know that He likes me
He's got
such strength and character
Yet He's as calm as the sea
There's something that He wants
I'm not sure what it be
Although I
sense it in my heart
It's love He wants from me
His voice is
soft, harassing not
With words that are so true
If love had looks
then it'd be
He who stands in front of me
He's leaving now,
but He will return
As He has said to us
So I asked His name before
He went
And He just smiled and said, "Jesus."
This was how the
Lord revealed Himself to me. Now, I believe that His Word is true and
our Lord God is real. His existence cannot be denied.
Perhaps,
you're going through a similar experience and feeling angry with God, or
maybe just praying for a loved one whose heart has also been hardened.
If so, this testimony will be an encouragement to you. I am not a writer
and surely not a poet; it is only by God's grace that I share this
experience. Anything is possible with God. We need only let Him into our
hearts. Then, truly, we will see and be with Him.
Prayer: Dear
heavenly Father, please hear our prayer that if someone has declared
Your non-existence or turned their back on You, You would soften their
hearts and clear their minds so that they will feel Your endless love
for us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Larry Delia Ocean View, Delaware, USA
Thanks to
PresbyCan Daily Devotional
