Last Friday, Heaven came down and glory filled my soul. A friend and I were able to worship with a group of women going through the recovery process at a local Christian drug and alcohol rehab facility. My purpose in going was to share with them a message I felt the Lord had given me. I was able to do that; we had a tremendous time. But what those women did for me...how they blessed my heart...will forever have an impact on my life.
Before it was my time to speak, the lady in charge announced that we would worship first. She asked my friend and me if that was OK. I assured her it was. She then said to the group of women, "Ladies, let us get ready to worship." In doing so, the lights faded and every woman turned around to face the wall and closed her eyes. What happened next has to be like something straight out of the streets of Heaven.
The music began. The heavenly voice came across the speakers in the room. It was not a live vocal. The CD track was clear...
I EXALT THEE! I EXALT THEE! I EXALT THEE, OH LORD!
For my friend and me, the awkwardness lasted for a second, maybe. As soon as the voices of those precious women went up, the world outside fell off of us both. I could hear one woman across the room weeping. Another one near by calling out the name of Jesus. I reached to grab my friend's hand so that I would not fall over. The Spirit of God was upon us and His presence was overwhelming. My friend fell to her knees. It was too much. She needed to submit herself before the Lord. Tears were streaming down my face.
I prayed, "Lord God, how is it that you've chosen me to speak before these women? I don't deserve this. Lord, they are crying out for you. Do you hear them, Lord? They are so desperate for you. Listen to them, Father. They love you so much."
The music played on...
HOLY SPIRIT, YOU ARE WELCOME HERE. COME FLOOD THIS PLACE AND FILL THE ATMOSPHERE. YOUR GLORY,GOD, IS WHAT OUR HEARTS LONG FOR...TO BE OVERCOME BY YOUR PRESENCE, LORD.
And overcome we were. We did not have to ask for His presence. He was already there. And then I realized what made me love these women so much. No, I do not have a past with drugs or alcohol addiction. But I can relate to total despair. I can relate to someone getting to a place where they have nothing left but to call out for Jesus. And that is where these dear women were. They understood and they do understand...Jesus is the game changer. Jesus is life changing. My friend and I not only watched as these women went from broken to Oaks of Righteousness, but we had front-row access. Sometimes, God shows out like that.
The worship time ended. The teaching time came and went. We laughed and cried. And then to top it all off, we went out worshipping one last time. The song of choice...
THERE IS POWER IN THE NAME OF JESUS...TO BREAK EVERY CHAIN, BREAK EVERY CHAIN, BREAK EVERY CHAIN.
And that is so true, my friends. Jesus is still so much into breaking every chain in our lives. That is probably my most favorite thing about the Guy. Heaven sure enough came down last Friday night - an experience I will never forget. I couldn't wait to share it. To God be all the glory!
Linds
