Over 4 years ago I was in a really bad place. I was hopeless, fearful, and in complete anguish. I felt like this world had defeated me and no matter how good someone was, evil always prevailed. I started having very dark thoughts and desires…things that are very unlike me. My circumstances got the best of me and the more I turned to the wrong things to fill the void, the more hopeless I would feel.
Thankfully, I had praying parents who loved me through it all. They, along with many others were praying for me and it’s a very big reason why God was able to get through to me. Their prayers began a warfare against the enemy in my life and as always the enemy was defeated. Today, I was reminded of words my dad wrote to me 4 years ago. I’ll be honest. At the time I didn’t really understand what he was saying, but today I can clearly see and it’s because the Holy Spirit has opened my eyes. Although I didn’t understand, the Holy Spirit did and was able to work in me because of my praying father…and mother.
My dad wrote to me in response to a post I made about God giving me way more than I can bear:
Andrea, The Bible does not say God will not give you more burdens than you can bear! That is not the truth but what we get from not taking time to read and understand what the Lord says. I do know that many say it that way but the Bible in that passage of 1 Corinthians 10 is talking about temptations and not trials. These are different subjects. One will bring people down while the other, trials, even though not pleasant, will edify the person living it. James does say to have joy while going through trials, but this joy is the assurance that while we suffer mentally or physically, we know the Lord will provide an escape so we will look back and say: It was painful but I learned a precious lesson. His way! Andrea, Bible verses will not bring you what you want, but God’s Spirit will be building you through His Word. As the rough waves pound on you, just rest on the Master that sleeps in the boat with you. He loves you very much, more than I do and He is doing in you what I can’t! Love you!
A little less than a year later, I found myself on my kitchen floor being overcome by God’s love while a song played that my dad posted of my sister-in-law singing. During those precious moments, I not only felt the love of God wash over me like crashing waves, but I could FEEL and HEAR the prayers of saints that had been interceding for me, including my parents. In that moment, the angels of the Lord surrounded me as the living waters came over me and the love of God washed away all the gunk that had separated me from Him. I had abandoned Him, but His love constantly pursued me. Once I made the decision that I was done with it all and was ready to give it to Him, I experienced His love. No church service, no pastor or evangelist, no altar call or live music. Just me and God. He met me where I was and all I had to do was say yes to the knock of the door. When I did, I fell to my knees and since that day His waters continue to flow in…and now through me. There is a river, like Ezekiel’s river that flows through me. Those waters they come straight from His throne; they cleanse me and give me life. It’s those same waters that flow out of me as I walk this Earth and allow myself to be His vessel.
Four years ago I was NOT complete or living fullness of life; the abundant life that Jesus said we would have. And, I definitely wasn’t complete with the power that comes from God. I wasn’t receiving what I was asking for and definitely not infinitely more than my ask. All things that as a child of God I should have had. But today, praise God, I’m living a life of fullness and power that comes from God. I ask constantly and I’m constantly blown away by the infinitely more that’s provided; not just for me, but those around me.
Why?
Because I have experienced the love of Christ. It’s the only way! Ephesians 3:17-19 is says
Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.
May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. THEN you will be made complete with all fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
If you don’t feel complete and aren’t experiencing the fullness of life or the power that comes from God, it’s because you haven’t experienced God’s love. So,
How can you experience His love?
Repent, which simply means turning towards God in complete recognition that you need Him. Believe in Him. Believe in Jesus. Devote your life to Him and with all your soul, heart and mind say “Holy Spirit, pour God all over me. Pour Jesus over me. Wash me with living water and let me drink of the living water so I may never thirst again. God, overcome me with your love that I may truly understand and believe your ultimate expression of love through Jesus Christ. I give you my heart, my mind, my soul, and my spirit. I am yours! Wash over me!”
I promise you that when you say a prayer like that in complete and utter surrender, the Holy Spirit will begin to work in you like you’ve never experienced before.
God doesn’t desire that you simply make it into heaven. He wants you to begin your eternal life now; that as He lives in you, you bring Heaven to Earth and live a complete and full life, with peace that surpasses all understanding, joy unspeakable, and filled with the power of God to transform your world.
Andrea John 