by Anthony N. Wade

During a time of leading worship at a local church, I experienced one of the most amazing phenomenas of my life. First I must back up. I served as an associate pastor/worship leader at a church in central Ohio. This assignment came as a result of being a guest minister at the church. The local assembly had been challenged by it's leadership to make some changes. I was one of those changes. My duties, as an associate pastor, included counseling, and helping others, as was delegated to me by the pastor. One of the delegations was leading the worship during the church services. The team of worshipers would rehearse on Thursday nights and again on Sunday mornings. The Sunday morning rehearsals were necessary in the event of last minute changes.

What happened to me was something I never expected. The team was taking it's place on the platform. The piano player began playing music as we took our place. As the piano player played a certain chord progression, I was supposed to begin leading the first song. However, I was not there! Yes, I know that naturally I was there, but I am speaking spiritually. This is what I mean. I was suspended in place. I could not move. I was in a trance, with all my physical attributes intact. (Numbers 24:16; Acts 10:10)

I was frozen in place so to speak. One might ask, “If I wasn't there, where was I?” Well, In the Tabernacle of Moses there were three compartments. There was “The Outer Court”, “The Holy Place”, and “The Holy of Holies”, also known as “The Most Holy Place.” I was in The Heavenly “Holy of Holies” at the outset of this worship experience. I was very much aware of what was going on around me, but I wasn't there! (See Exodus 26 and 27.) There were team members calling my name, wondering why I had not started to sing. The best way I can explain what I experienced, can be found in the Bible with the Apostle Paul's experience.

2 Corinthians 12:1-7 (KJV)

{1} It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

{2} I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.

{3} And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)

{4} How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

{5} Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.

{6} For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.

I have not had another experience like this ever again. Of course I am willing and ready, but these things are as the Spirit wills (1 Corinthians 12:6,11).