Some years ago, I found myself spiritually adrift.

To be transparent, I was in a religious cult (The World Wide Church of God – Herbert W. Armstrong) from 19 years of age until about 30 years of age and found this teaching a mystery. As I reflect on the Grace of God who delivered us from this religious bondage, where we focused on the Old Testament and did not study the New Testament as much as we should have done.

I have learned not to blame others – but the experience increases my compassion for those who are deceived because I know how easy it is to hand over your spiritual responsibility to a pastor/ministry/religion – because of trust. When I should have put my trust in the Word of God and not man’s doctrines.

So for almost 13 years, I studied the Word and knew nothing about my Comforter. (John 16:7)

Suddenly I could no longer trust that I knew Jesus.  So, I started searching for THE TRUTH.

I studied the word for myself. I started watching Christian television – seeking to find answers to a spiritual emptiness I could not explain. I thought there must be more…

I was never NOT a Christian – I just no longer knew what that should look and/or feel like. During my quest, I agreed to go with a friend to a Woman’s Breakfast.  Let me tell you that was an emotional event of startling proportions.

My previous church background was much more sedate. I had NEVER been around so much “whooping and hollering” in my life.  Too my untutored mind, it looked like religious mayhem, anarchy.

I remember thinking, “It DON’T take all that…”

BUT it made me wonder what in the world could transform calm well-spoken women to such a state of uninhibited chaos.  I had no idea it wasn’t a what but – a WHO.

God used the event to increase my hunger – I kept watching Christian television and studying the Word. (Matthew 5:6)

I started watching ministry which focused on the power of the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately, I had not heard much about God, the Holy Spirit. So this ministry heightened my curiosity about the power of the Holy Spirit. All the while I could not help but think this is a very curious ministry.

But he preached about the person of the Holy Spirit as of he had a close relationship with Him. While I had never heard such preaching before. (Acts 19:2)

I was totally ignorant about “why” the Holy Spirit was required to be victorious in our every day life.

You’d think after decades in church I would have understood the role of the Holy Spirit in my life – but I did not have a clue.

At this point it had been a while since we had attended any other church and I was hungry. But I knew not for what.

Some dear friends invited us to attend a large gathering of Christians in downtown Atlanta. As I said, I had been watching a ministry that spoke continually about having a relationship with the Holy Ghost; so while I did not know what to expect at the conference, I knew God was behind the invitation to attend. Therefore, I attended with nervous expectation. (Psalm 37:23)

While I was sure that the Holy Spirit was  setting me up for something good – I did not go alone. I attended with my husband, my two children and two sisters. So encumbered with the care of two small children and a husband who was not receptive to the “chaos” around us, it was difficult to focus.

It was difficult to receive in a service when you have small restless children who are very vocal about wanting to go home and play after three long days of traveling downtown in a crowd of people to set still while folk were standing, sitting, singing and worshipping – activities that are not very interesting to little ones.

On the third day, I was gloriously delivered in a way I was not expecting. God set me free that morning.

So when the final evening service started, I again saw others being ‘touched’ by an undeniable something. I knew it was the Holy Spirit. It was almost time to go. I was so frustrated – because I was worried that the distractions around me would hinder God from touching me.

Unfortunately, my husband did not understand what happened that morning and was quite candid about his desire to leave before the crowd was released for the evening. My sisters stepped in and encouraged him to allow us to leave immediately when the service was over.

At this point, I became desperate – it was the last night and the event was closing with the last song. I wanted to cry – I expected something wonderful to happen to me. I needed “something” from God – I did not know what. I was hungry, thirsty. (Matthew 5:6)

The final song was coming to an end, I was disappointed and hurt because it looked like I would be leaving with nothing from God. I felt as if God had given everyone something but me…

As the closing prayer was reaching its end – I lifted my eyes and in my heart I passionately cried –  “Lord, please, don’t let me leave here without a touch from you.”

Dearest reader, Jesus’ promises are true. (John 16:7)

Glory to God!!!

Suddenly, my hands began to tremble, I felt heat rush through my body and I was hot all over.

Glory to God!!!

I began to speak in a heavenly language. (Acts 2:4)

Glory to God!!!

Even now, I can’t believe I never saw that it is Jesus who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and Fire. (Matthew 3:11) Dearest Reader, the feeling of love, warmth and peace – I received from the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, is something I can’t really put into words.

But…I know it was God, no man laid hands on me.  (Joel 2:28)

Oh, I know people will say – it’s not about a feeling, it’s about relationship.

But who has ever had a relationship where they did not FEEL. 

I am a living witness – it DOES take all that. (Acts 10:44)

Pixaby.com: Southern Gospel Song – Southern Chapel. Artist: Open Mind Audio