“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
When I obsess over a problem, the bigger the problem becomes. It may have something to do with the wall that I can put up between myself and God. In recovery we define the wall by our character defects. There was a time when people would describe me as a “character.” You know the type, people who have an innate ability to mess up at just the right time; self-sabotage is the name of the game and misery is its cousin. But in Celebrate Recovery we experience a transformation in our character as we continue to give our character defects over to God. We change from people who were characters to people of character.
As God changes my character, my response to the problems facing me change as well, and so do the outcomes. This is especially true in family. There will always be a problem, a circumstance and an occasional crisis. How we deal with these scenarios is in direct relationship to the character-building God has been doing in us. In Celebrate Recovery we utilize Steps 6 and 7 as we voluntarily submit to every change God wants to make in our lives and humbly ask him to remove our character defects. There is an adage that goes with Steps 6 and 7 – These are the steps that separate the men from the boys, the women from the girls. This is a most difficult process to undergo, one that requires a lifelong willingness to step into surrender, to give to God what is keeping us in bondage, separating us from him.
As God leads us through the struggle we are humbled by the changes he is making in us. To be a person of character is to be a humble person, for we know who is working in us. God never gives up on us; let us not give up on ourselves.
“And I am sure that God who began a good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in his grace until his task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns.” Philippians 1:6
Peace be with you.
Love God, love people, Jesus first!
Dana Cramer // Celebrate Recovery at Crossroads
Celebrate Recovery at Crossroads Church Calendar
October 16-22, 2017
Friday, October 20: Lesson Night
- 6 pm: Our Hospitality Team is preparing a wonderful dinner for you. Please join us for food and fellowship.
- 7 pm: Join us for worship and a message from Melaine on “Powerless.”
- 8pm: Open Share Groups
- 9pm: Sold Rock Café
Announcements:
- New Men’s 12-Step Group has started and meets every Monday at 6:30pm in room 146. Enrollment is open.
- New Women’s 12-Step Group has started and meets every Monday at 6:30pm in room 144. Enrollment is open.
