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Footsteps to Follow: Seeking an intimate relationship with Jesus

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There was a time when I was struggling with serious doubts and fears about who I was and what I should do with the rest of my life. I spoke with my sister, Ty, about my troubles, and she sent me a poem she had written:

The Master's Touch

I was lonely.

I drew open the drapes

And lit a candle.

I swept the floor

And drew up a chair,

for I wished for someone

to share this time and space with me.

The day grew long

And I grew weary

And then upon the steps

I heard sounds.

And there at the door

was Christ, the one who had

lived and died and rose again.

I beckoned Him in

And closed the door

And the candle flickered.

I saw His eyes shine with compassion,

And in His arms, I felt

His magnificent love.

We sat without a word,

Our hands touching each other.

And with His presence,

He had come to say

That His love could live within

My heart every day.

And whenever I whispered His name,

He would be there to offer whatever I needed:

love, compassion, friendship, forgiveness, hope.

And in His comfort,

I nodded off, for it was late.

And when I awoke the door was ajar

And the Master had slipped away

But I was no longer lonely or afraid.

And I knew I could trust Him to come

Whenever I needed Him

And that He would live

In my heart always.

After reading her poem, I had many thoughts race through my mind: oh, what a joy it would be to have a close personal relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus to really know Him. Is this what I need? (Isn't this what all Christians want and need?) Jesus tells us that is what He wants: "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me" (Revelation 3:20 NIV).

"Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them" (John 14:23).

I grew up going to church with my parents and siblings. But over the years, I didn't understand what it really meant to be a Christian. It was just something we were. Going to church was just something we did. But something was missing. Ty's poem made me realize that I needed a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus.

From the time I received Ty's poem to the present, I have tried to follow these words of wisdom from Jeremiah 29:13: "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

I spend daily time with Jesus, mostly silently but also praying and feeling His love and peace, knowing Him personally. I have found this to be a very important part of being a Christian.

Thank you, Ty, for your poem.

Marty McCormick, member of Oval Church

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