The Clouds and the Dazzling Light

A spiritual awakening

It was October 1982. I had just changed jobs and things were going from bad to worse. Events and circumstances seemed to be leading me in the wrong direction and no matter how much I tried, I could not seem to get on the right path. My life was out of control. I had recently been arrested for hit and run, and on top of that I was quickly becoming an alcoholic.

Then, on the morning of October 24th, I gave up. In the shower, I fell to my knees and begged God to take control of my life. The Holy Spirit came upon me and I was born again.

Real life stories

My religious background consisted of a strong upbringing in the Presbyterian Church. Both my parents are very faithful people, who worship regularly, and are involved in all aspects of church life. Their lives outside the church serve as an excellent example of people who live their faith.

However, my problems were numerous. My biggest problem was my opinion that the Bible's account of Jesus was a lie. Yes, He may have been a good man, but not God's Son. I was also a real control freak. I tried to do everything myself, without help from God or my family. Lastly, my sins filled volumes. So I faced some major roadblocks in order to become a child of God.

Conversation with God

God can work miracles and, once born again, I started a new life. I began each day with a devotional time of prayer and Bible study. It was during these daily devotions that two very dramatic events occurred. First, in November 1982, God spoke to me from a fiery cloud. In the predawn hour, the fiery cloud appeared over my house and God spoke, "make it simple, get it right". I found these words puzzling, but over the next few weeks the Holy Spirit revealed that this was God's answer on how to get my life in order. God wanted my life made simple and put right with Him. The only way for me to do this was to accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. So, on December 12, 1982, I confessed my sins and accepted Jesus as my personal savior with full belief that He is God's Son. Fully knowing that He rose from the grave to save us from our sins. From that day forward, Jesus has led me away from a path of "me first" to a life marked by "God first".

Then, in early January 1983, again in the predawn hour, the Dazzling Light of God's presence appeared. In the northern sky, dark clouds approached. When the clouds reached the treetops, they stopped, and the Dazzling Light descended from them. As the Dazzling Light approached, I fell to my knees in absolute fear. I knew that at any moment death would take hold of me. My body became filled with fever, my immense fear of God grew, and I bowed even lower as His Dazzling Light came closer. Then just as death was ready to collect its toll, the Dazzling Light changed shape, entered a nearby dogwood tree and my life was changed forever.

Christian inspiration

Why did I wait so many years to reveal my story? First, I feel that the timing is part of God's plan. Second, I had to discard many sins. Although I am never completely rid of sins, through Christ's forgiveness and guidance my path draws me closer to God each day.

Since 1982, vices that I have discarded include cursing, drinking, and smoking. I have taught Sunday School, led Bible Study Classes and Prayer Groups, served as an elder in two Presbyterian Churches, taught seminars at Lutheran and Presbyterian Church conferences, authored a Shepherd Group Program for Churches, served as Certified Lay Preacher in the Presbyterian Church, and currently serve as the Pastor at Plainview Presbyterian Church in Angier, NC.

Bright light

Why do I make these personal experiences public knowledge? One reason is that I truly cannot believe that God would have given me a vision to only benefit me. He must also be seeking to offer hope and inspiration to a fearful world. Furthermore, Jesus instructs us to let our light shine. If I were to keep God's Dazzling Light covered, the darkness of my life would be hiding the Dazzling Light of God's Glory. Also, my hope and prayer is that my experience might help the people of our time know that God is just as real and just as present as He has always been. And through the saving power of God's Son, Jesus, He can lead anyone out of the darkness into the light.

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You are invited to share your thoughts and comments with us by writing to John Meacham, Pastor, Plainview Presbyterian Church, 2712 Plainview Church Road, Angier, NC 27501, or you may send email by clicking the link below.