“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13
The hardest thing about growing is getting started. You have to start somewhere, sometime. Why not now? You know the old saying, “If you don’t like the hole you’re in, stop digging.” Last Friday night at Celebrate Recovery, someone asked me how to pray; they were stuck with the wording. I told them about the best prayer I ever prayed; it was simple but the most transforming prayer yet. Twenty-six years ago I got on my knees and said, “God Please help me, I can’t do this anymore!” That’s the day of my first earnest surrender to God. That day started out as the worst day of my life, and ended as the best day of my life.
Somewhere along the line, we have to quit playing God and start praying to God. When we surrender, God does amazing things in our lives.
As we come to Celebrate Recovery in our brokenness, we start to break through our denial and rely on a power greater than ourselves—Jesus power. There is a long road ahead of us, but you don’t have to wait until you’re at Step 11 for prayer, meditation, and bible study. I encourage you to start now, start today.
If you go to church, go regularly and get involved in the spiritual growth offered. If you are a seeker here at Celebrate Recovery, get a Celebrate Recovery Bible; it has a 30-day recovery devotional, and there are over 50 people from Celebrate Recovery whose stories are told alongside the Biblical characters they relate to.
If you are looking for a devotional to get you going, I just read one this Sunday night from my church, Crossroads. It’s a forty-day devotional, and I think Nan and I will do it together in place of our regular devotional. Why? We are on a growth journey in Christ and, while grateful we are not where we once were, we haven’t arrived yet. For all those who may doubt your worth, your purpose, your very existence, go to the first verse in the devotional, it will remind you that God doesn’t make any junk:
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth…” Psalm 139:13-15
No matter how high you have been or how low you may feel, God loves you, and you are wonderfully created!!
Dana
Celebrate Recovery Crossroads Church Calendar
April 16-22, 2012
April 16-22, 2012
FRIDAY: Large Group Meeting
- 7 pm: Join us for great worship and a lesson on Principle 7/Step 10: Crossroads.
- 8 pm: Small groups.
- 9 pm: Solid Rock Café.
TUESDAY NIGHTS: Celebrate Recovery continues to carry the recovery message to the 137 Homeless Connection. Our team of four could use some help as they cook (the group is asking for meat donations), serve a meal, and lead a meeting every Tuesday night. Just message [email protected] and we will get you plugged in.
New Men’s Sexual Integrity 12-step group is open. Message [email protected] for more information. All inquiries are confidential.
April 27, 6pm: Mark your calendar for Celebrate Recovery Crossroads Church’s 8th birthday celebration. Everyone is invited to join us as we celebrate God’s miracles in our lives.