Testimony

I heard about God In a church full of strangers Who dutifully regurgitated words Before enthusiastically adjourning to the bar. I whispered to God "Can you hear? Are you real?" I opened my ears, expecting His reply But my ears failed, like my memorized prayers. I reached up to God Desperate for the touch of His hand. But it came back empty . . . As empty, I thought, as my destiny, my future, my purpose. I shouted at God "Where is the Father I long for? The One who doesn't hurt His children; Who knows what it's like to be in pain, persecuted, alone?" I surrendered to God. I was silent, still, open. He spoke to my heart, saying: "At last, my child. Distraction is the enemy of relationship. Now we begin." I walked with God. Baby steps, falls, bruises. Some ahead on the road laughed. "Judgment is the enemy of growth," my Father said. I shied from God. "I don't belong here! "I am not good enough to walk with you." "And now, you are mine," and He took my place. "Arrogance is the enemy of love." I trusted in God. I walked on, striving to improve my gait. Sometimes I fell behind, caught up . . . Not seeking to advance beyond the reach of those who were lost or fallen. I thanked my God. For a drop of forgiveness In a life parched with guilt and shame. I drank in His goodness, and hoped to overflow to a dehydrated world. 10/25/2015