Approaching the Baptism in the Spirit day

Whoah! finally we finished the Baptism in the Spirit session. It was wonderful. One sister of mine asked me how was my preparation as I approach the session for Baptism in the Spirit. It was not easy and yet the Lord has truly shown His own glory.

I really journeyed together with the participants for this YISS. As I did my prayer journal, I began to be more aware of my weaknesses and how I need the Holy Spirit in my life. In my prayers in the journal for the last few weeks have been asking the Lord to send His Holy Spirit on me, a weak person, and yet not only to me but to all participants.

As the time for Baptism in the Spirit approach, and I needed to lead the prayer, I began to struggle with my weaknesses. I really felt that my patience was really tested, somehow, I began impatient. And few days before the Baptism in the Spirit in which I should lead the prayer, I fell sick. As some of you might know, this is my little cross :)

I was a bit worried in the beginning, and I started to ask my good friends to pray for me. I really thank their prayers. One of the fruit of their prayers is that God seemed to give me faith. I somehow have more trust in the Lord that everything will be alright.

One thing that came to me when I took the medical leave and rest at home was that, what ever happened was in the Lord's plan. I knew this sickness can be a blessing to others. I started to offer up this little cross of mine for others especially for the participants.

Because of falling sick also, I didn't really have enough time to prepare my sessions for Baptism in the Spirit. My only moment to prepare was on that day itself after the first session in the afternoon and before the session in the evening.

I went to the adoration room. I thank the Lord because He renewed my faith. In that adoration room, my heart was burning, I was so excited, I really felt the Lord will be the one who will do everything. Everything will be alright.

And yes, I really thank the Lord, He did wonders. This is His community, not mine. Last night was His session, not mine. Those sitting the room were His people, not mine. The Lord has overcome everything, He is risen, He is victorious. Everything went well. I was able to lead the prayer without any annoyance from my sickness. I really felt the Lord was there and leading everything.

I just want to thank the Lord, especially for helping my little faith. He helped me to believe, He helped me to trust in Him. He helped me to see His Hand is working.

As we close our session last night, we sang a song, and I knelt down, and felt into silence as my heart sang

Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that You’re my God
You’re altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me

Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that...
You are my God...

your brother in His love,
Oka