Monday, November 17, 2008

What just happened?

Sorry Christy. I will try to be better about blogging. ;)

So, I have been thinking about something that happened to me many years ago (about 11 years to be more exact). I may have told some of you about this in person but mostly I have kept it to myself because it appeared to make some people very uncomfortable when I would talk about it. Well, it has continued to be on my mind so I think I will just toss it out there and see what happens. I am very interested to hear thoughts about this now.

I was at a church we had been attending for a short time. I remember feeling such a draw to this church and congregation because of the attitude there. They were open to the movement of the Holy Spirit in a great and tremendous way. As the spirit lead, so went the congregation and leadership. As a result, wonderful things were happening in the life of that church.

One night after a service a young woman went to the alter to pray. Several ladies came up and began praying for her. I felt a prompting to join them in this intercession for this young woman. I remember standing in the back of the group of ladies that had surrounded this woman and praying for God to move in her life. At some point in my praying I just wanted to lift my hands to God so I did and I began to have this intimate moment with him. I don't know when, because I was in my moment with God, but some of the ladies had finished praying for the other woman and began to come around me and pray. I don't know what they were praying, I just knew they were there. I could feel there hands on me as they prayed.

Now here is were people look at me strange. :) I was so focused on God and this moment with him and suddenly there was this warm, strong rush that came down upon me. I actually fell to the ground. This warmth enveloped me. It ran up, down, and through my body over and over from my head to my toes. It filled me with a peace that I could never begin to explain. I just laid there with my eyes closed embracing this moment with God. I don't know how long it lasted. It only felt like a few minutes to me, but when I finally opening my eyes there was just one woman. She was kneeling on the ground beside me smiling. She talked to me for a while to be sure I was okay and then I went home. I was exhausted and yet so relaxed and at peace. I have often wondered what happened to me that night. I have spoken with people who call it being "slain in the spirit" or "filled with the spirit" or other phrases that escape me at the moment. I have searched The Bible to find scripture to explain this event to me and the only thing I have found that comes close to explaining it is in Acts 2 when the holy spirit comes upon the disciples.

Acts 2 - 1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Now let me make it clear that I did not (to the best of my memory) speak in any language. I only remember just being there in the moment with God. I remember the peace of it all and the shear force on which it came upon me. I was never scared or hurt. It was one of the most beautiful things I have ever experienced. It is, however, something that I have longed to understand more since that moment.

I know that once I asked Jesus to come and be my Lord and Savior the Holy Spirit came to abide in me. Because of this I know the Holy Spirit was already with me when this happened. So what was this moment? Scripture is filled with moments when He filled His temple or touched someone in a special way or even when Moses had a moment with God on the mountain. As Christians some of us get nervous at the idea that Gods would still act in this way. Why do we get nervous? Is it fear of not being in control?

I don't know what happened to me that night, but I know it was a gift from God. Has it changed my life a in great and mighty way? Not that I can really think of. It was just a moment with God, a beautiful moment when God said, "Here, Ninfa." and he poured something out on me. Although I may never understand it on this earth, I pray I never forget it.

Don't live in fear of the Holy Spirits moving. He knows what is best and what you need. If you try too hard to control things you may miss out on your moment with God... whatever form it may come in.

Have a blessed day!

2 comments:

Christy said...

The main thing that comes to my mind is that you were obedient in going forward to pray for this woman - evidently someone you didn't even know. Because of your obedience, God was able to reveal Himself to you in a mighty way. So many times we hold back because of what others might think of us, instead of what God wants of us. I do not discount your experience, but I cannot explain it. I do think God still works in ways like this, but because most of us are disobedient, He doesn't move this way very often. Don't know if I made any sense. I'm typing with a splitting headache and stuffy nose. ;0) I'm surprised you never told me about this before.

Ninfa said...

Well, after several people looking at me funny I just figured it was one of those things that I would just need to keep to myself for a while. You are correct in saying I did not know this woman I was praying for. I had seen her a few times but never talked with her. The whole experiance was just amazing to me. I don't know if it is something that I will ever get to encounter again here on this earth but I am thankful I had that moment. I think you are right. Almost every time Scripture talkes about God moving in some way, or revealing himself it was done because someone was seeking him. I did not go up to that alter seeking a moment with God, but because I followed the prompting of God I was given something that I never thought I could ever have. It is nice to finally be able to share it with others.