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The Name of Jesus
When I was 20 years old I moved from a rural farming town in Washington state to the booming metropolis of Southern California. My goal was to pursue a higher education in college and I was therefore packing up my belongings and leaving behind my family, my childhood friends, and everything that was comfortable and familiar to me. Since I was raised in a Christian home I was encouraged and strengthened with the thought that I was not going alone but that my God was surely with me and would take care of my every need.
Nevertheless, my first months in California were full of ups and downs. I moved in with three other Christian girls and after job hunting for a couple months began working full-time. I became very busy with my new job, new friends, and new experiences in the big city. It seemed my lifestyle afforded little time for seeking after God and it wasn't long before my heart was drawn into many other things. Still, the Lord remained faithful and continually and gently reminded me that He was still with me. Soon thereafter, the novelty of living in California slipped away and I was faced with the realization that I had a deep need for my God to appear and be real to me. By His infinite mercy He had really stirred up a sense of lack in my living and I longed for His intimate fellowship to be restored.
I knew I wanted His sweet presence and person but felt like my heart was miles away from Him. How could I touch and experience Him again? My faith was low and my strength minimal. As I struggled for the way I was reminded of a portion of a book by Witness Lee that speaks of calling on the Lord's name (Acts 2:21). I remembered that this was the way I could touch and contact Him as a living Person in my spirit (John 4:24). I felt skeptical at first but opened my mouth in faith and whispered His name quietly to myself, “Oh Lord Jesus.” I called again and again and again, “Oh Lord Jesus, Lord Jesus, Lord Jesus.” Before long I found myself in tears as His dear Person flooded the depths of my being. As I continued to sincerely call out to my God I felt my heart uplifted and the presence of my Lord became more real and precious to me than it had ever been. I was strengthened, supplied, and encouraged to go on running the Christian race.
Six years have gone by and the practice of calling on my Lord's name has saved me to the uttermost (Romans 10:12-13). Whether I was passing through exams, a pressing work situation, frictions in my living situation, or even the sweet and easy times, learning to call on my Lord and contact Him has enabled me to enjoy and live the Christian life.
A.A. | Back to List
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