Encounters with Love for God: CJ Robbins

Nature has always been where I seek out God’s presence. The experience is  triggered whether I am seeking it or not, by an incoming rain front or the way a tree sways in the wind. Often it is quiet, calmly wiping away all my other thoughts and worries. A reset button on everyday life. I am going to tell two stories of His presence, one of overwhelming awe on a literal mountaintop, another of unexpected peace in the middle of town. Both are moments that I consider when I spend time with God. They stood out so much that I wrote them down immediately, some of the few pages in my would-be journal. I will be sharing what I wrote down, with only a few edits. I want to share how much these moments impacted me and give you a  glimpse of the encounters yourself. 

This last June, the ACF went on a mission trip to the Appalachia area to do long-term relief work after hurricane Helene devastated the region. After a week in, we had a rest day. We spent the morning in downtown Elizabethton, TN, exploring the shops and enjoying the weather. After lunch we went on a hike on a section of the Appalachian Trail. The hike was not too long, just a few miles in to Laurel Falls (which was incredible, but not the most incredible thing I experienced on that hike).

“There was a side trail. I originally was just going up to see the campsite there, but then there was more trail. So, I went. My friends Micah and Paul followed me. It went much farther than we had anticipated, not too far, but it there was an incline that made it feel farther. I kept on going after Micah and Paul stopped at a decent view. There were multiple decent views, but the top was truly worth it. It was named Potato Top, according to the sign. We were looking out over quite the vista. We could see so much of the mountains, so many trees, so many cliffs, so much fog, so much water. It was incredible. I was awestruck. I felt something. A love for God. An overwhelming love for God in His creation. I’ve had nature inspire me; I’ve had it draw me to God. But this was overwhelming. It was a love that made me not know what to do, but desperate to pray. And I didn’t know what to pray for. But looking back, I’m sure God heard my cries. The Holy Spirit will intercede. I want to keep that feeling, that love. It’s already faded, but I still remember it. Thank You God for giving me this experience. I want to find this again. I want to seek a love for God. It feels like next time I might find a bit more of God’s love for me.”

The other major encounter I want to share is more recent. On August 20th, I was at work. I work as an EMT on an ambulance in Monroe. When not on a call, we will “post”, sitting at a location until we get a call or move posts. On this day, I was sitting in a parking lot looking out at a busy city street. I had just read my Bible (1 Corinthians 2 I think) on my phone and was about to just settle in to waste time watching Netflix. 

“I want to love God every day. I was just looking out at the sky, a cloudy sky, looking like rain, and I was overwhelmed. Sitting here in the ambulance, random radio songs playing just loud enough to be distracting, looking out at Thomas Rd., and McDonald’s, Subway, and Cane’s. I was overwhelmed by love for God. For the first time in a while. And if I can do that here, I’m going to seek it every day. All I did was choose to read my Bible on my phone first thing when I got this post, after putting it off all day, and then I didn’t even pray that much afterwards. I was about to watch Netflix, but put down my phone and looked at the clouds. Matthew 6:33 ‘But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.’ was stuck in my head. Basically, it was incredible, and it reminded me of what I want. I want to experience this every day. This is why I’m not to seek the world. Thank You Lord.”

Both moments were simple, unexpected, and revitalizing. I wish I could have such moments every day, but often I am too distracted. I forget how good those moments truly are and forget to seek them. I want to be overwhelmed by a love for God. Because that is the closest to Heaven I have ever been.

CJ Robbins is a senior at LA Tech majoring in Biomedical Engineering and works as an EMT in Monroe. Since becoming a member of ACF, CJ has blessed this community with his easygoing presence, willingness to serve, and passion for the Word of God. In his free time, he enjoys hanging out with people at ACF, playing ping pong, going to the gym, and spending time outdoors. He is also a member of this year’s Discipleship Team. We’re so grateful for him and look forward to seeing how God will continue to work in his life!