I've been praying for spiritual breakthrough for a couple weeks, and this past Wednesday night was the turning point where God answered my prayers. In worship, in life group, I felt a strong sense of God's presence and a strong hunger and desire and love for God. Also, as I looked at the people in my life group, I realized that I loved these people--with a love that stems from knowing this is my family. This was definitely an answered prayer, as I prayed that God would soften my heart and allow me to love, to be loved, and to receive/understand His love more deeply. I came into Michigan with a fairly protected/guarded heart, which I thought would protect me; but a hard heart also blocks out love from God and God's people.
Love in the body of Christ definitely is connected to being able to receive/feel/understand God's love. For this purpose, particular Churches I know, have you greet others around you as the service begins. Several weeks ago, in worship, I saw a friend I hadn't seen in a long time and hugged the friend. Suddenly, it felt like during worship, I could understand and sense God's love for me, more strongly than before. It was at this moment I realized I had a hardened heart that even blocked me from receiving from God--and God used my old friend to soften my heart, and that there was more of God that I could know and experience. This made me hunger for a spiritual breakthrough, because God's presence is so, so sweet and amazing.
And God answered my prayers. It is true that if you seek Him with all your heart, you will find Him. (Jeremiah 29:13). Life does a full circle on you. This particular verse was given to me when I was 12 years old, as I cried on the floor during a retreat. And it continues to have special meaning to me.
