HE came to see ME!

The wonderful and beautiful woman I meet with for discipleship encouraged me to write or journal significant stories in my life so that when I need to recount them for encouragement I can go back to them.

So....here is, by far, my favorite life encounter. I don't know why I don't share it more, but it has significantly and positively altered my outlook on life ever since.

I was around six when this event happened. Up until this point I was very fearful of the dark, and would worry if my sister wasn't sleeping with me at night (we shared a room).

One night I remember being woke up by the brightness in the room. It had a glorious brillance that filled even the tiniest crevices of the room. I slowly peered over the edge of the top of my bunk bed. Standing there was none other than Jesus! Stay with me here....I was VERY startled to see Jesus standing there, in my room! Startled does not actually even begin to describe how I felt. However, I wasn't scared. I felt this wave of love and peace wash over me. It was an indescribable feeling that comes back to me now as I am recounting this event. It is calming. It wipes any fears I ever had.

Yes, Jesus was in my room! It seems unbelievable, even to me, that I saw Jesus that night. I don't know if I physically saw Him or He came to me in a dream. But, to me that doesn't matter. He was there.

He came over to me picked me up and set me in His lap. I clung to Him, crying...no sobbbing. Sobbing with joy and overflowing with love for God's son that died for me and you. This man, that up until this point in my life, I had heard and read stories about. I had learned to believe from church and what my parents said about Him. I finally looked up at Him, but could not see His face--it was too brilliant. I begged Him to wake my sister up. I begged Him to let my parents see Him. I didn't understand why He would come to see me and not let the rest of my family experience Him and all His glory--experience this person that we put our complete faith and life in His hands on a daily basis. I begged him saying, "Please, I just want my parents to believe and see you! I know they do, but it's not fair they don't get to see you." He then said to me, "Bethany, my beautiful daughter and child, I came to see you. I know it doesn't seem fair that your parents and sister can't see you, but their faith will be tested in other ways." HE came to see ME.

I get the chills just recounting this story through type. He then said to me, "Bethany, I know you have been afraid of the dark. I came to tell you that there is nothing to fear. I am always here. I am just as present here in this room as I am now, even when you cannot see me. You never have to be afraid of anything again. I made you strong. I made you this way for a reason. You are my child and never doubt my love for you."

I was mesmerized to say the least. He said He had to leave, and again I tried to persuade Him to stay. He reminded me that He would still be here and I could talk to Him anytime I wanted. I walked him to the living room and watched Him vanish out the front door. I ran to the door, attempting to catch one last glimpse of His brilliance, but He was gone. However, I knew that He wasn't really gone and what I had encountered was rare and extraordinary. His light wasn't gone either. It was in me. I felt it. It coursed through me and I slept peacefully that night.

Over the years, as life has happened, I have experienced ups and downs like everyone else. However, I feel as though I do not let life defeat me because I have always known my life was in the palm of His hands. When my friends have been fearful of things and circumstances, I was never fearful. I did not realize until quite recently, when I was reminded of this encounter, how significantly that had impacted my life. Looking back, I realized I was never fearful of the dark again. I am also not fearful of anything except a snake catching me off guard :/. I have no doubt that I got see Him face to face for a reason--He is preparing me for big things. He has been preparing me for big things my whole life. I am not fearful of what's to come, I am excited to meet these challenged and triumphs head-on. This reminds me of a verse in Psalms 56:3-4:

"When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?"

We all are made for big things. Our experiences and encounters in life prepare us for what's to come. Do not fear. Prepare. Get ready to go to battle. Look at each day as a victory to be had. I have learned to do this and it has changed my perspective on life in magnificent ways.

<3 <3 <3