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Discovering that God is Rich and SweetI have lived in San Diego all of my life. I have just completed my general education at Grossmont College, and am ready to transfer to the University of California system this fall with a major in English. I have an older brother who is some kind of genius, but generally, I have had a pretty normal life. Even so, I cringe to imagine where I might be if it weren't for the ministry of Watchman Nee and Witness Lee. When I was five years old, my mother told me that Jesus wanted to live inside of me (Galatians 2:20). I remember feeling surprised that I hadn't been told that before. I then turned around and asked the Lord in. For the next ten years the Lord lay quietly and patiently within the deepest part of my being (2 Corinthians 13:5). Sometimes I prayed to Him, and I knew He was supposed to be my best friend. My mom would sing about the Lord and share the Bible with me; but although I liked the stories, I often found myself resistant and defensive when she would share from the Bible. My dad took me to several denominations. Although I went, I didn't get much from going; it was just another activity. I always begged to go with my mom who met with the local church. I might not have been able to explain why, but it just seemed real to me. I felt at home in the church meetings. I sensed love from the other believers, and life, and peace (Romans 8:6). They shared about experiential matters, such as following our conscience, being continually cleansed by the Lord's precious blood (1 John 1:7; 1 Peter 1:19), so that we wouldn't be “shipwrecked,” (1 Timothy 1:19) and taking “the narrow way.” (Matthew 7:13) I knew I belonged. The Lord was faithful to preserve me through the prayers of many believers in the church. At the age of fifteen, I finally had the parental permission to be baptized. Soon after, I learned in a small young people's meeting how to pray over the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17-18). I found that the Word wasn't something to condemn us, as I had previously experienced. By praying the words back to God, I was supplied and nourished in a way I had never experienced. Now at twenty-four, I am enjoying the riches of Christ, and especially discovering day by day what a sweet, loving, indescribably rich God we have (Ephesians 3:8). I am continually refreshed that God is so real and present and loving, always waiting for me to turn my heart to Him (2 Corinthians 3:16). When I turn, the veil is taken away and I can enjoy Him continually! Furthermore, the Word is changing me daily as I take it in. I can hardly believe it; but it's happening in the deepest part of my being--God is spreading from my spirit into my soul (1 Thessalonians 5:23; Romans 8:10, 6). I am being more and more strengthened into my inner man (Ephesians 3:16), and my weaknesses are being swallowed up by the peace of God, which surpasses every man's understanding. (Philippians 4:6) I can testify that the Lord is faithful, awesome, rich, and sweet to me. But this is not, by any means, because I am an unusual individual. It is because somehow I had the mercy to meet with some believers standing in oneness and receiving the Lord's blessing (Psalm 133:1-3). I am so thankful to the Lord that I have come to know the Lord in such a deep, rich, and sweet way and have discovered that in the Body of Christ, he fulfills and even exceeds my needs. My experiences of Christ and of the Christ in others will be eternally sweet memories in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:10). Thank You, Lord, for blessing me and causing me to seek and find You. You are so real, rich, and accessible in the Body of Christ. Sonya Wilson | Back to List |
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