The Upper Room, Nov/Dec 1987 Edition
As an addendum to my testimony, I am sharing the following story that was written in The Upper Room magazine on Dec. 14th, my Birthday, It spoke volumes to my heart once again a reminder of my rebirth experience. When I read this story the night of my 32nd birthday I cried as I realized how closely this story to me resembled my testimony and daily walk. How significant it is, and how it confirms that I need to keep giving myself daily to my Father's will and seek Him first in all things.
It read as follows:
"As a young boy, one of my favorite places of retreat was an old spring. It was surrounded by tall oak trees, and it had the coldest, sweetest water I ever tasted. One day while visiting my parents, I decided to take my son to this secret paradise. When we arrived, we found that dead fallen trees and undergrowth had completely taken over. We searched for the spring without success. It was gone.
Recently, on another visit to my parents, we drove by the place. I could not believe what I saw! The fallen trees and undergrowth had been cleared away. We stopped the car, got out, and ran to look for the spring. It was there, just as I remembered! The water was as cold and sweet as ever. It had been there all along, waiting to be uncovered and rediscovered. As we sat quietly by the spring, I thought how often in my life I had let debris and undergrowth of “things” consume so much of my life that I lost sight of God’s purpose for me. But, like the spring, God was there. God waits for us to seek, to rediscover, and to let God clear way for us to seek, to rediscover, and to let God clear away the debris so that we can again drink deeply of the things of God."
Recently, on another visit to my parents, we drove by the place. I could not believe what I saw! The fallen trees and undergrowth had been cleared away. We stopped the car, got out, and ran to look for the spring. It was there, just as I remembered! The water was as cold and sweet as ever. It had been there all along, waiting to be uncovered and rediscovered. As we sat quietly by the spring, I thought how often in my life I had let debris and undergrowth of “things” consume so much of my life that I lost sight of God’s purpose for me. But, like the spring, God was there. God waits for us to seek, to rediscover, and to let God clear way for us to seek, to rediscover, and to let God clear away the debris so that we can again drink deeply of the things of God."
Prayer Focus: Those who have lost a sense of God’s presence.