10 YEARS today

     Today marks 10 years since I had my first encounter with the Holy Spirit. As I reflect on this day my life changed for the better, I am so grateful to God that He loves me so much. Through the course of 10 years, I have progressed in every area of my life. At most times, I don't feel like I am where I need to be, but I can confidently say that God has His special hands on me. 

    I have learned more about myself on this journey, and I have learned about who I am in Him. I value my identity in Christ because it is where my true authenticity lies. The things I once thought about are now coming true, and I know God will continue to exceed my expectations as I continue to commit myself to Him and His plans for my life. 

    On the day I had an encounter with The Holy Spirit (August 17, 2013), I was just graduating from high school. I was to enter into university in one week and my youth pastor (who is proudly my Spiritual Father and Dear Mentor now) prayed over a group of peers and I for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. At that time, my understanding was when you receive Him, you will be immediately speaking in tongues. As we prayed, the sounds of other tongues filled the room. As my hands were lifted high and eyes shut tight, I kept exclaiming, "Holy Spirit, come over me!"... nothing seemed to have happened. I saw some of peers have unique and dramatic experiences, and I didn't even say or see anything. I almost allowed disappointment to creep into my heart. It was not until I later arrived to university that the evidence that the Holy Spirit was inside of me started to emerge and I noticed it. I began to press into prayer at the age of 18 and found that He was showing me who I was. A courageous, courteous, beautiful, faithful, and bold child of God. And as I continued to navigate life with Him, I found myself in sticky situations, but with Him, I managed to make it out an even stronger individual. 

    The Holy Spirit has never given up on me, and today marks an important day in my spiritual journey. I will never forget that God will never give on me (or you). 

    

Thanks for reading, 

Whitney :) 

  P.S--lets chat in the comments! Do you remember your first encounter with God? Have you ever had one before? Share your experiences, I would love to listen.