Pastor John,
Bess’s dream reminded me of a couple experiences that I would like to share.
In early 2007, after my divorce, I was alone for the first time in my life. I had never lived on my own and I was learning how to do things I had never done. I was very new in the Lord and in my mind, I thought I had to have a husband over me who knew me better than anyone else to help me and correct me when needed. One day talking with the Lord about it, I asked, “How will I know if something isn’t right with me and needs to be corrected?”
At the time I owned a Kia Sorento, and Jesus set it up so that it would periodically have minor problems that would require me to get it fixed. One of the problems was with the headlights. The bulbs would go out, and I would have to get them replaced. It happened so that whenever I pulled up to a building with a big window or door I would check my lights in the reflection to make sure they were still working. That was easy enough to do, and I was able to keep check on the front lights, but I had no easy way check the taillights.
One day I was slowly driving through the Walmart parking lot in Burlington. My window was open, and I was able to hear someone calling to me. I looked over, and there was a man waving me down. I stopped and cracked my window a little more so I could hear him better. He told me my taillight was out. I thanked him, and as I pulled away, I felt as if Jesus had sent the answer to my question, ‘How will I know if something isn’t right with me and needs to be corrected?’ The answer was simple and very sweet: He will send someone and they will let me know.
I learned as I went through some difficult spiritual battles surrounding my divorce that having fellowship with you, Pastor John, and Barbara, and my brothers and sisters would save me. You had not known me long, but you all could feel if I was doing ok or needed some correction and guidance. That didn’t come from knowing me as a person; that came from knowing the Spirit of God. I could “check my reflection” in Jesus through my fellowship with everyone else, and make the changes I needed, but I also had to keep my window open and listen to the ones that Jesus would send for the things I could not see on my own. When I would follow a wrong spirit and let it control me, you helped me see it so I could learn to fix it!
That was the first experience. The second experience that was brought to mind from Bess’s dream was something that happened a couple of years ago. I was in my kitchen cooking dinner. When I reached into a cabinet to pull out a bowl, I suddenly felt a familiar feeling that I was once very acquainted with and at one time was controlled by it. The feeling was not from within me, but was on the outside of me. If it was something real; I think I could have seen it. Thankfully, I immediately knew it was not me. I said, “Go away!” And just as quickly as it came, it left. I know that if I would have welcomed that old spirit back, it would have once again robbed me of my peace and joy from Jesus.
I am very thankful for you and for the help I have had. I pray that I will always have the “window” to my heart open enough that I can hear you or whoever Jesus sends, if and when I need them.
Love,
Amy F