Training camp was amazing. Many different denominations were represented, and the worship encouraged all styles, since AIM is interdenominational. My usual style is quite reserved, vocally and physically. But the first night of training camp, I let go.
As we sang a medley of How He Loves and Jesus Loves Me, I asked God to reveal Himself to me. Suddenly, with my eyes closed, I saw Jesus in front of me. About an arms length away from me He was there, nailed to the cross, looking at me. I could see Him being whipped and lashed, for me. But He wasn't crying out against the pain, He had a willing heart. And as He looked at me it wasn't in accusation, but in love. Me, the one who caused this pain.
Then something else happened. As we sang How He Loves Us, I felt moved to reach forward. Slowly I reached out my arms and touched his shoulders, his arms, then his chest. Then hesitantly, near shaking, I touched his face.
And I lost it. Tears poured through closed eyes, sobs heaved out of me. I prayed to see the Risen Christ. And I did, at least I got a small glimpse.
He was off the cross, had overcome suffering, but his facial expression hadn't changed. Because He hasn't changed. Just as He loved us on that cross, He loves us today.
All you have to do is want it. Ask God to show himself to you, be persistent, and wait on the Lord. He will show you amazing things.
