God's presence is love, peace, and power.
Early one Sunday morning, Apr. 6, 2008, I had an awesome dream. My daughter, Loréal, son, Antonio, a church member, and I went to visit an elderly sick woman who lived alone in a country area that was secluded. While we were visiting her, there was a tornado on the way for her area. This area was already damaged from a terrible storm a week ago.
The elderly woman lived in a ranch style home, with a barn house for her animals. Her home and barn house were ruined from the storm. There was no way that her home and barn house would endure the tornado. She loved her animals and was concerned about their safety. As we looked around her home, we noticed there was no food in her refrigerator. Since she was miles away from the grocery store, we were planning to leave to grocery shop. Before we left, we heard a news report. It stated that everyone should stay put and not to leave their homes. All the roads were blocked because the tornado was just a few hours away.
Panicky, I initiated prayer. We all prayed for God's provision and protection. After prayer, we could only think about our hunger. While we were conversing about God's love, a group of men knocked on the door. Remember, there were no cars on the road due to the mandate concerning the tornado. We wondered who this could be at the door. When we went to the door, the leader told us that they were there to repair the home and barn house before the tornado.
Astounded, we realized that this was an answer to our prayer. I observed the leader as he worked. He was a tall, robust man who was efficient, fast, and loved his work. His assistants were his team, and they worked like the ants preparing for the winter. All these men were carpenters; however, they were much more than that. You could tell they were men of God because there was a glow surrounding them. Out of curiosity, I looked in the driveway; the only cars were mine and the elderly woman's. Wow! That confirmed what I thought. These men were angels. How could they get here without transportation? Where did they come from with all their equipment? They had all the tools, etc. to make the repairs. The leader worked with such benevolence as he built the cages for the animals to be protected during the tornado. He pet the animals, fed them, and the animals responded as though he was their master. Before the men arrived, there was so much fear and commotion among the animals because they could sense that bad weather was on its way; the animals became so serene and carefree as the leader cared for them.
What a transformation they did to the barn house and the home! It was amazing to see the animals in lovely, carved cages built orderly on shelves surrounded by bright colors. The whole atmosphere was filled with such solace. After they completed the repairs, I told them that we didn't have any food. The leader said, "Look in the kitchen." Anxiously, we all ran to the kitchen, and there were bags of groceries on the counter.
We went to the door to thank them, and before we could thank them, they were walking into the sky. My heart pounded as I saw the leader; he was Jesus dressed in a kingly, extravagant robe. Furthermore, his assistants were angels dressed in white, immaculate robes with exquisite wings. There was such brightness that it was blinding. I ran out the door, and Loréal screamed out, "Mommy, come back, please don't go." She had a relationship with God, and she remembered God's words to Moses. Fearfully, she thought she would lose me. Determined, I caught the end of Jesus' robe that was encircled by fur and knelt praising, crying, and thanking him for his love and blessings. I wanted to see his face, so I boldly exclaimed, "Jesus, may I see your face!" His response was the same as his response to Moses. "No man shall see my face and live." I could only see his back. As I was holding on to the end of the robe, I screamed, "Jesus, please don't leave me here; take me with you!"
In a loving voice, he replied, "Daughter, you must stay for now, but I will be back soon for my children." I had to ask him if I were in that group. Jesus said, "Daughter, all is well with your soul. Hold on and be patient for my return." It was hard to let go of the end of his robe. In his presence, there was a strong love that enshrouded me that I never felt from anyone. Also, there was peace that filled me with a stronger faith that I never experienced before. Last, but not least, was his power. His power was indescribable and overwhelming. Truly, Jesus is Lord of Lords and King of Kings. It was so hard for me to let go of his robe. I didn't want to leave His presence because in Jesus' presence, there is perfect, unconditional love. He is love, joy, peace; and you are faced with the reality that life can only be lived more abundantly with Him. He's our only strength, shield, refuge, and help during times of trouble. We are only complete with Jesus.
