One day, I woke early in the morning to watch the sunrise. Ah the beauty of God's creation is beyond description. As I watched, I praised God for His beautiful work. As I sat their, I felt the Lord's presence with Me.
He asked me, "Do you love me?"
I answered, "Of course, God! You are my Lord and Savior!"
Then He Asked, "If you were physically handicapped, would you still love me?"
I was perplexed. I looked down upon my arms, legs and the rest of my body and wondered how many things I wouldn't be able to do, the things I took for granted. And I answered, "It would be tough Lord, but I would still love you."
The Lord asked, "If you were blind, would you still love my creation?"
How could I love something without being able to see it? Then I thought of all the blind people in the world and how many of them still loved God and His creation.
So I Answered, "It would be tough, but I would still listen to Your word."
The Lord then asked, "If you were mute, would you still praise My name?"
How could I praise without a voice? Then it occurred to me: God wants us to sing from our very heart and soul. It never matters what we sound like. And praising God is not always with a song, but when we are persecuted, we gave God praise with our words of thanks.
So I Answered, "Though I could not physically sing, I would still praise Your name."
And the Lord asked, "Do you really love Me?"
With courage and a strong conviction, I answered boldly, "Yes Lord! I love You because You are the one true God!"
I thought I had answered well, but God asked, "Then Why Do You Sin?"
I answered, "Because I am only human, I am not perfect."
"Then why in times of peace do you stray the furthest?
Why only in times of trouble do you pray earnestly?"
No answers. Only tears.
The Lord continued:
"Why only sing at fellowships and retreats?
Why seek Me in times of worship?
Why ask things so selfishly?
Why ask things so unfaithfully?"
The tears continued to roll down my cheeks.
"Why are you ashamed of Me?
Why are you not spreading good news?
Why in times of persecution, do you cry to others when I offer My shoulder to cry on?
Why make excuses when I give you opportunities to serve in My name?"
I tried to answer, but there was no answer to give.
"You are blessed with life.
I made you not to throw this gift away.
I have blessed you with talents to serve Me, but you continue to turn away.
I have revealed My Word to you, but you do not gain knowledge.
I have spoken to you but your ears were closed.
I have shown My blessings to you, but your eyes were turned away.
I have sent your servants, but you sat idly by as they were pushed away.
I have heard your prayers and I have answered them all."
"DO YOU TRULY LOVE ME ?"
I could not answer.
How could I?
I was embarrassed beyond belief.
I had no excuse.
What could I say to this?
When my heart had cried out and the tears has flowed,
I said, "Please Lord forgive me Lord.
I am unworthy to be Your child."
The Lord answered,
"That is My Grace, My child."
I asked,
"Then why do You continue to forgive me?
Why do You love me so?"
The Lord answered,
"Because you are my creation.
You are my child.
I will never abandon you.
When you cry, I will have compassion and cry with you.
When you shout with joy, I will laugh with you.
When you are down, I will encourage you.
When you fall, I will raise you up.
When you are tired, I will carry you.
I will be with you till the end of days, and I will Love You Forever.
" Never had I cried so hard before.
How could I have been so cold?
How could I have hurt God as I had done?
I asked God, "How much do You love me?"
The Lord stretched out His arms, and I saw His nail-pierced hands.
I bowed down at the feet of Christ, my Savior.
And for the first time...
I truly prayed.
Read God's Word
About Me
- J.A. Vazquez
- I'm just, a nobody, trying to tell everybody, about Somebody who can save anybody. First I want to give love to the Father for giving me the opportunity to be an instrument for him to live in and live through for the glory that belongs to only him and Him alone. I served in the United States Navy for twenty one years and retired September 2003. During the last 3 years of my naval career, I served as co-pastor of Greater New Refuge COGIC in Fallon, Nevada under the tutelage of Pastor Gregory L. Brown. While there, I diligently served my pastor and church with the construction of a new sanctuary, and caring for the needs of all ministries, while simultaneously striving to stay focused on the mandate that the Lord had placed upon my life to preach the Word of God without compromise. I was licensed to preach November 2002 and Ordained June 2003. While stationed in Virginia Beach, Virginia, I proudly served and as constituent of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church for seventeen years under the leadership of Bishop Elect W. D. Scott, Sr. and presently serve under the leadership of Bishop B. Courtney McBath at Calvary Revival Church in Norfolk, Virginia.
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