God's Presence, My Growth

God’s presence became so evident to me during an Easter Dawn Service in a Brooklyn Park. A small group of classmates from Brooklyn Methodist School of Nursing was attending the pre-dawn service with Linda Sigg’s aunt. The weather was so very cold. I can’t remember anything else about the service other than how cold I was. I kept praying; Lord, make me warm. After repeating my request in prayer many times, a warmth flowed through my body. I stopped shivering and felt His warm, peaceful presence. Then….I started to question the experience and doubted that this really was happening. I think about Peter when he walked on water. (Matthew 14:25-31) As soon as he started to question the fact he was walking on water, the miracle ceased and he started to sink. As soon as I doubted what was happening, my body started to feel the cold again. The feeling of peaceful warmth left me as quickly as it had come. This is the first time I have ever shared this experience with anyone. The memory has stayed with me all of these many years. I do know that God heard my prayers and proved His presence to me in that moment of time.

When I was a child growing up in Brooklyn, I had two Christian friends, Marilyn and Yippie. After school on Wednesdays, I would go to a weekday bible program with them at their church. I have fond memories of these times and there is one song which we sang that always brings me back to that time and place. The song; “At Calvary”, tells me that “mercy there was great, and grace was free; pardon there was multiplied to me; there my burdened soul found liberty, at Calvary”. My spirit was being fed, so my faith could grow. “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God”. (Romans 10:17)

Going back even further; I can remember attending Sunday School at Bethelship Methodist Church, even as a toddler. I recall that some of the Sunday School classes were held in the balcony area overlooking the sanctuary. There was a painting behind the pulpit, of Jesus in a long white robe with outstretched arms. I clearly recollect two of my teachers, Esther and Alice. I thank my parents for their faith and for giving me these memories and a strong foundation from which my own faith could grow and develop.

God’s plan is perfect but the journey isn’t always easy. My faith increases as I look back on my personal road of faith and growth. He has always been with me.

Thank you, Lord, for your plan for my life. I will continue to trust and be obedient as you direct my path and the paths of my family. I love you Lord.