“Perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. We love each other because he loved us first.” 1 John 4:18-19
God’s perfect love isn’t something experienced by osmosis; I think we surrender ourselves to God over and over again as fear is overtaken by love. When I made my heartfelt decision to accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior, my life was no longer mine. I haven’t struggled much with that decision, but the actual ramifications of that decision I have struggled with many times in recovery.
The living out of this decision is my daily struggle, my daily walk with Christ. Why the struggle, it has to do with will, self-will to be exact. Turning my will over to God is a daily conundrum; I have had success and failure, usually all in the same day. I start my mornings with prayer, a verse and turning my will over to God. Now if I could just not take it back, that would be something to talk about. If I am honest with myself I have to admit that every day there is a part of me that struggles with self-will. On really challenging days, self-will runs riot. Surrendering to God’s will is my goal; not taking it back is my dilemma. I don’t call this a failure; I call it a work in progress. Celebrate Recovery has taught me that we are all a work in progress. I am grateful that I am not where I used to be, fear doesn’t run my life anymore but it likes to visit once in a while. And when it does, all I (we) need to do is use the 12 step process; it works if you work it. When you realize you are living your life through love instead of fear you are right where you need to be, in God’s perfect love. Crazy isn’t it-you have to surrender to win, God’s perfect love is found in the struggle.
“When anyone is joined in Christ they are a new being; the old is gone, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
Love God, love people, Jesus first!
Dana Cramer // Celebrate Recovery at Crossroads
Celebrate Recovery at Crossroads Church Calendar
November 27-December 3, 2017
Friday, December 1: Message Night
- 6 pm: Our Hospitality Team is preparing a wonderful dinner for you. Please join us for dinner and fellowship.
- 7 pm: Join us for worship and and a recovery message on Step 3.
- 8pm: Open Share Groups
- 9pm: Sold Rock Café
Announcements:
- A new Men’s 12-Step Group has started and meets every Monday at 6:30pm in room 146. Enrollment is open.
- Our New Women’s 12-Step Group is full. A new group will form in January 2018.
