I have a testimony about Jesus

“I have a testimony about Jesus.  He carries me through my worst storms.  I only call on Jesus.  I’m leaning on His everlasting arms.” This is a chorus by gospel singer Karen Clark Sheard but for the morning the sound of this powerful chorus was ringing through our 8am prayer meeting yesterday at IHOP-KC. Slowly but surely across the room one by one people began to stand, cry or raise their hands to the Lord as we all sang in agreement. I could’ve sang that chorus all day I believe.

I was immediately brought back to the Fall of 2006 when our twin daughters, Charli and Ali, died not too many days after my wonderful wife gave birth to them. By far our “worst storm.” As I sang the chorus and witnessed so many people across the room agree with its truth I too was overcome by the greatness and tenderness of Jesus. How He carries me, loves me and leads me so well. Indeed He carried us in that season.

I remember the pain of those months, weeks and days leading up to their birthday, November 1. The uncertainty was awful. We were contending for their healing the best we could and knew how. Yet maybe we would be taking care of two completely dependent kids with severe disabilities. Or even worse, maybe we would we be forced to live without them completely as death was seeking to take them. Those doctor appointments week after week leading up to their birth were like being tied to a pole and beaten with a rubber hose. Yet worse because the pain went to a depth in the heart and soul that words can’t do justice to explain.

Yet in the midst of the chaos there He was. The presence of God on so many occasions during that time was so precious. Answers may have been absent but peace and comfort was like a blanket that caused our minds and hearts to be still and rest. The fact that we were not able to be offended at God baffled us. We were offended that we weren’t offended. You see, He carried us. He didn’t leave. He carried us.

God is a Person. He’s not just a thought or a historical figure stuck in a book. Jesus is real. He’s alive and well and carries us through our worst storms…if we’ll call on Him. That my testimony about Jesus.

Wes