THE FATHERS LOVE

"God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit."
Romans 5:5b

      Very early, just after waking up I had a vision of myself laid out flat.  I had on my robe, and as I stared at the scene I became troubled, wondering what could it mean?  Was the Lord going to take me Home?  I cried out, "Oh Lord, if I am going to get sick again please take me Home.  I don't think I could endure another siege of illness."

      I put the entire scene out of my mind.  After finishing breakfast, I went to my bedroom for my morning devotions.  I recalled the two articles I had read the evening before in a newsletter I brought home from the "Catch the Fire Conference" I attended in Pasadena, California the previous September.

      Picking up the newsletter I decided to read the articles again.  One article by John Arnott was titled Entering into the Father's Love, and the other was by Ed Piorek titled Focusing on the Father's Love.  After reading both articles I prayed, "Father God, what am I supposed to feel?  What are they talking about?"  At that instant I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit fall on me and I began to cry as a warmth I can't explain swept through my body.  I fell across the bed, unable to move.  I lay there for the longest time, just basking in this warmth.  My crying stopped and was replaced by a feeling of joy!  I began to laugh, though weekly because I still felt totally helpless, unable to get up.

      Just then I remembered the vision I had earlier of myself laid out flat, as though dead.  Now I understood the meaning and was filled with awe.  Then the Lord spoke to me saying, "Count the ways I have loved you, My little lamb."

      I had waited so long to really know the Father's love for me.  I didn't think it would ever happen.  The peace that filled my heart assured me I wasn't mistaken.  God really loves me!