Experiencing the Divine: My First Encounter with God
Just like many others, my first encounter with a concept of divinity was not something I consciously sought after. It was not until later in life, as a Christian, that the memory came back to me with clarity.
It was a summer around 1964 when curiosity led me to try praying, something my parents had not taught me. At that time, the response came unexpectedly, through a dream. From that moment on, my experiences with what I perceived as divine continued to unfold. Though I was not even a Christian at the time, and God was not a central part of my thoughts, those experiences were set up as a form of divine protection.
Unbeknownst to me then, I was faced with a dangerous situation. It was only after 33 years that I realized the gravity of the event and the protection I had been given. In healing from past traumas, through confession and reflection, I gained a clearer understanding of God's presence in my life. As I reflect on those early years, I am increasingly grateful for the violation I was spared and the divine guidance I received.
Divine Protection and Confession
As we move through life, our sins and past traumas often resurface in our minds. This is not a random occurrence but a reminder from the Holy Spirit that these memories must be confessed to God. Through this process, we can forgive ourselves and transfer those burdens to Jesus.
Once we turn over our sins to Jesus, they no longer belong to us and Satan cannot use them against us. It is a powerful reminder to actively confess and release our past to God, and to resist any negative thoughts from the past that may try to come back.
As the Bible reminds us in James 4:7, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” We must take control of our thoughts and actions, turning to God when faced with challenges. It is on us to be faithful and to let our sins no longer rule over us.
Overcoming Past Traumas Through Faith
The journey to understanding and forgiving past sins is not always easy. It can bring up uncomfortable and painful memories, causing cringe and shame. It is important to remember that these memories are a part of our journey and are often used by the Holy Spirit to bring us closer to God.
Let us remember that even when we feel we are not deserving of divine protection, God is always there. He intervenes and protects us in ways we may not always understand until later in life. By turning over our sins to Jesus and seeking his will, we can find peace and freedom from past traumas. Through faith, we can heal and move forward towards a more loving and understanding relationship with God.