chrisdee37@sbcglobal.net
My heart skipped a beat when windows began vibrating and the ceiling fan started swinging, one of the probabilities when we live in California. Still you never get use to the sudden panic that grips you when an earthquake occurs. The quake turned out to be a mild tremor, centered approximately 100 miles from our area; obviously alarming, but what startled me more was the subtle voice I heard, "You are building your house upon the sand." My new beginning appeared somewhat shaken at this point, but enduring several years in an insecure and non-fulfilling marriage, reassured myself; that I indeed deserve fulfillment, satisfaction and purpose.
Attempting to disregard the previous encounter, I tried to keep busy setting up my new apartment, when suddenly there was a knock at my door; immediately I responded, but no one appeared to be there. Turning to go back inside, abruptly the front door slammed shut then locked; the next couple of hours I sat irritated and alone outside, waiting for the manager. Again, his quiet voice spoke, "I've placed before you an open door that no one can shut."
The same week while shopping at the local grocery store it began to rain; not just rain, but a downpour! Heavy loud crackling thunder, lightning and hail, then the power shut down. In the ten minutes it took power to be restored; water quickly filled portions of the parking area. I managed to survive the storm but could not overcome the dark cloud of fear that evolved me. Once again the voice returned, "You will draw water from the wells of salvation."
With no clear understanding why; I called my husband Richard, pleading and sobbing, "Can I come home?" He was very gracious and welcomed me back. The next couple of weeks I continued asking myself; what am I doing here and why? On Christmas Day Richard asked me to join him at the church he had been attending; "I'm going to be baptized today" he explained. Obviously, I felt indebted and couldn't deny him this simple request, so agreed to attend his baptismal service.
Not knowing anyone and feeling extremely uncomfortable, I slipped into the back row of the church, assuming this ordeal will be over soon and I can return home. However, it was difficult to ignore the pastors' words; he expressed what baptism symbolized; submission to Christ and the transformation that happens in the hearts of those who believe. He explained it's not the water of baptism that changes our life, but our inner heart attitude; giving up a sinful and selfish way of living, repenting and turning to God. He compared obeying God to building a house on a strong solid foundation; that stands firm when storms come. When life is calm, our foundations don't seem to matter, but when crises come, our foundations can weaken.
We need to leave the door of our heart constantly open to God then we won't worry about missing his knock; your only hope of lasting fulfillment. He is knocking on the door of our hearts and wants to have fellowship with us. He allows us to decide whether or not to open our lives to him an open door no one can close. He is the living water that forever quenches one's thirst for life, when we draw water from the wells of salvation; we receive his eternal gift of security, fulfillment and purpose.
Returning home, God revealed to me what coming home really meant and why; there are many ways to live life, but only one way to live eternally with God. Our relationship in him creates new life and new beginnings. His Voice will lead us home building a strong foundation when we choose to open the door, forever quenching our thirst for life.
My personal testimony
Copyright 2005 by Christine Ulmer
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My husband and I realize, after forty-two years of marriage, we are together today, not because of anything we did, but drawn together by listening and obeying His Voice. Only then did He open our eyes to the unconditional love in marriage; represented through His love for us, securing complete satisfaction and purpose for life.
