Communion with God: “In the Beginning. . .”

Prior to enrolling at CLU in 2013 for my own spiritual growth in God, I had never heard His voice nor had any visions. Never. I thought God reserved those privileges only for those in leadership, and so I spent most of my Christian years not knowing His voice. In fact, I didn’t want to hear His voice because I had a wrong perception of who my Heavenly Father was. In my mind, He was someone to be feared.

It wasn’t until I started my first course, Communion with God, that I began to experience hearing a soft voice within. It actually took me a few days before I decided to practice the four keys to hearing God’s voice because I felt somewhat apprehensive of what He would say to me; however, the first time I heard Him tell me how much He loved me, I was relieved that I had nothing to fear. He really loves me and desires to commune with me throughout the day and night.

I was excited to ask God a new question every morning, and yet, I still had some lingering doubt that I actually could hear His voice or that He would want to speak to me whenever I sought His Presence. It wasn’t until I was desperately looking for a book in my classroom office that God proved to me that I was undeniably hearing and seeing in the spirit realm.

This happened in the spring of 2013, while I was still teaching at a public high school and only three weeks into the course, Communion with God. I looked everywhere in my office for a particular book, and I simply could not find it. I needed it for my lesson planning, and so that weekend, I decided to ask God for His help. I thought if there was anyone who would know, it certainly would be God. Here is my journal entry on April 28, 2013:

“Lord, I don’t remember where I had put—or lost—my copy of that book. I’m worried and need your help. Please show me where it is.”

(I kept getting a vision of the book in my hands as I stood in my office.)

“But Lord, I did not find it in my office. I searched all over and couldn’t find it.”

GOD: It’s in your office. Look around again.

(In the vision, I scanned the office with my eyes.)

“I did! I can’t find it.”

(I’m thinking that maybe this isn’t going to work. Why am I asking this question? Suddenly my vision zoomed to the large paper bag on the table in my office.)

GOD: It’s in the paper bag with your students’ sample work. Remember? You met with Mrs. Moura and had the book with you?

“Oh, yes! It should be in the paper bag in my office. Thank you Lord! I’ll check tomorrow when I return to my classroom. Please forgive me for doubting You. The book must be there. . . It has to be there!”

(The vision faded, and then a bit of doubt started creeping in. I was so sure I checked everywhere and in everything! My only hope that this vision and voice of God were real and not my imagination was if I found the book exactly where God told me to look.)

The next morning was Monday, and this is what I recorded in my journal on April 29, 2013:

“I found my book in the paper sack that was on the table in my office, but the sack was sort of hidden by boxes and folders. I had not even seen nor thought of the sack when I searched my office on Friday. Praise the Lord! He really did speak to me! I had my doubts—small doubts—but he proved me wrong. I think I am now beginning to sense the voice of God within me. It is somewhat different from my own voice and certainly different from the enemy’s voice. As I continue to trust in Him to speak to me, I know His voice will become stronger, clearer, and have a more distinct sound. ‘Thank you, God!’”

That was four years ago. Since that time, I have had many visions, dreams, and personal encounters with Jesus. We even have a favorite meeting place: A large rock under a shady tree on the beach. I will share more with you next time.