As long as I can remember, one of my favorite scriptures has been Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him."

I am thankful for the hunger God put in my heart for Him many, many years ago. When my four children were small, I remember reading my bible and praying every chance I had. My husband and I took our four children, R.J., Julie, Amanda, and Natalie to many different christian places. We stayed so busy - bake sales, ice cream suppers, ball games, bazaars, choir practices, etc. Many times I would pray, "God you said your yoke is easy and your burdens light, but these folks are killing me." I just wanted some rest. I was not satisfied in my soul.

In 1973 at a home prayer meeting, God baptised me with the holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues. That was a wonderful experience BUT I did not have the truth of God to go along with the holy Ghost baptism. I spent many times during the following years praying and talking to God; shedding many tears along the way. Sometimes, I would say "God, I want an answer, no matter how bad it hurts, I want an answer." And when the answer came, I knew it was right. The answers to some of my prayers caused pain but that made no difference to me, I just wanted to hear from God.

At our local community college in September of 1984, I signed up for an Old Testament class taught by John D. Clark, Sr. It was then that I realized I had been taught many wrong things about God. In January of 1986, I began attending the home prayer meeting where John Clark was pastor. The people there were very happy and genuinely enjoyed serving God. I loved the rest and peace I was feeling. For the first time in my life, I was learning the truth. I had finally found what I had been looking for all those years.

My husband was never able to live the truth we were taught. His lack of seeking God took him in one direction and my seeking God took me in another direction. After 28 years of marriage, his backslidden condition became worse. He stubbornly refused to repent. God gave him chance after chance over a period of several years to turn from sin. One night I was out in my back yard, alone with God, crying, praying and seeking God, my heart was breaking - this was so painful. God said to me, "Sheila, your marriage is over, there is nothing you can do about it, it is over." I knew if God said something was over, then it was over. My husband moved out of our home shortly after that night in August of 1997. I was glad to know that I was not bound to a man and a situation that I could not get out of. I had put my faith and trust in God and He was faithful to make a way out for me.

After the separation from my husband, I knew that financially I would have to find another job. My son helped me set up a budget. He reviewed my income and expenses and told me exactly the amount of money I needed to make to stay out of debt. I went on several interviews. The job I liked most and was offered, OF COURSE, was the one making EXACTLY the amount I needed. And I do mean, exactly, to the penny what I needed. I telephoned my son with this news, He was speechless. God had provided!

God was concerned about every detail of my life and was taking care of me. I rode back and forth to work with Sister Lyn Hammonds. (My job now was almost 1 1/2 hours from my home). I continued to pray and seek God as I had done in the past and God continued to comfort me. Sometimes at night when I was home by myself, I enjoyed sitting in my recliner just resting. When I felt sad I talked to God. There were times it felt like He was holding me with His arms wrapped all around me. I felt so comforted, loved and even happy. These precious moments alone with God were some of the best times in my life. I began to learn myself and the person God had created me to be. And, slowly, I began to like myself - because I realized God was at work. Thank God, He is the potter and I am the clay.

My spiritual family and natural family were wonderful to me during this time in my life. I couldn't have made it without any of them. BUT GOD has always been there for me through the years and He has not left me now. He is still my provider!

God has done more for me than I could ever have dreamed possible! He has not disappointed me! He is faithful! God truly is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him!