Friday, I returned with anticipation to the AIDS Hospital. I was nervous, anxious, curious, happy, sad, confused, afraid… all in a big bundle. I wanted to see my friend, I missed her smile and her face. I also dreaded the idea that perhaps she might not be there. I just had to know. We arrived and I was happy to see the three patients I had met on Monday. This time we gathered around each bed sang songs, prayed over the patients and held their hands. In one room, the man lay there with a big grin, thrilled to see us, glad to hear us sing and delighted for us to pray for him. As we turned to leave, the man pulled his scarf to his face and began to weep into it. We all stood frozen. Tears filled our eyes and ran down our faces. A lump filled our throats. We stayed to comfort him. I then felt the Holy Spirit telling me this man was going to be encountered by the Spirit that day, perhaps in a dream or vision and to tell him not to be afraid. Through this I shared the gospel with him. Later a team mate of mine told me he had the same thought come to him and he also wanted to tell the man about the Holy Spirit in his room. By the time we left this man was sitting up eating, finding a renewed strength.
We continued through the rooms. Joy filled my heart when I saw my friend, I ran to her side and swept up her hand. Her mother was anxious to tell me her daughter was feeling better today and today she had no need for an iv. How could I not believe? My God is a God of Healing. My God has power. And my God is a God of love and compassion. I count this as a small Victory. Even in death, renewed strength is a gift from above.
I left this place with a heavy heart, but I rejoice in this opportunity. I treasure my moments with these people, I treasure my prayers over them and I treasure worshiping our Lord in their presence. Even now when I wish I could be at home with a friend that is badly sick, that is also in a hospital. I rejoice that God brings me comfort by allowing me to hold somebodies hand that needs it.
I follow a God that is so powerful and so loving. A God that longs for intimacy with us and wants us to seek Him. A God that calls Himself Father, Shepherd, Protector. He knew our names and thoughts before even time began. I am in awe of a Love that surpasses all understanding and a grace that allows us to even walk away from our Creator. He delights in us, and longs for our companionship.
I rejoice when I meet brothers and sister that have also seen His desire for relationship and have chosen lifestyles that honor Him. These men and women are happy as they rejoice in their new found freedom and lifestyles. I long for my family and friends to know this God the way I know Him and to walk with Him the way I walk with Him. He loves Me and calls me His Beloved. He also loves you and wants to call you Beloved.
