By Linda Lee

About 10 months ago, I was asked if I would consider taking Empower One class. The topics seem interesting, and I have been contemplating to take some classes to go deeper in my walk with the Lord. Honestly speaking I am a bit worried about whether I can fulfill the demands of the course load. This is not something I have been planning to do. I have been out of school for a long time, and I have not written papers for a while. Even though I like to read, I tend to move from books to books. I may not have the patience to finish a book from cover to cover. Somehow there is a voice inside telling me to take this step of faith and to take on this new challenge.

Now I am sitting here sharing with you that taking this class is really one of the many good decisions that I have made in my Christian walk. The books that are in the curriculum are really good reads. Assignments are soul searching, and brings me to be in touch with the depths of my soul, being vulnerable and totally honest in front of God. No longer can I continue pretending and ignoring. God is dealing with me like peeling an onion, one layer at a time, getting to the core of my disobedience, my sin and my hurt. It is no longer by my strength or my will, it is His grace and mercy when He works on me.

One of the many precious lessons I learn is the full restoration of my identity in Him. I always know that I am the precious child of God. However, when I visualize my Heavenly Father, I would think that He is stern and strict. No fun, but just business; and of course, no nonsense. I was so wrong. Our Heavenly Father is all so loving, and He loves me head over heels. There is nothing that I do or fail to do that would change His love for me. Wow! That’s amazing. I don’t have to perform, I don’t have to anything to win His love. My Father in Heaven is smiling at me and see me as His Beloved. I am released. I can feel His kindness and patience for me all over again. If He is so patient with me, I can be patient with the people around me too.

There are so many lies that the enemy puts in our heads as we are growing up. We have accepted those lies as part of the truth. My kids always tell me, “Mom, you worry too much!” I would respond to them that I worry about you because I love you. Oh, what a lie! “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?”(Matthew 12:25). We cannot show our love by worry, but instead, we should seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 12:31). I am glad that during the retreat which is part of the course requirement, I am freed from the lies that I have believed in for years.

Empower One is an experiential class. Not only do I gain more from the Old Testament and the New Testament in knowing God’s character, my senses in knowing Him has sharpened. I learn to listen more, to wait on Him more, to see His mighty hand at work and to serve Him humbly. The time spent in prayers, in solitude and His words have become more enjoyable and fulfilling as I pursue Him more each day. All praises and thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father who is good all the time.