“God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day – our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life – fear of death, fear of judgment – is one not yet fully formed in love. We, though, are going to love – love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first.” 1 John 4:17-19
God’s perfect love isn’t something experienced passively; I think we surrender ourselves to God over and over again as fear is overtaken by love. When I made a heartfelt decision to accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I turned my life over to him. I haven’t struggled much with that decision, but the actual living it out has been very challenging in my recovery.
Living out this decision is my daily struggle – that not-so-little thing called ‘will.’ Turning my will over to God is a daily choice and one in which I have had success and failure, usually all in the same day. If I am truly honest with myself, I have to admit that every day there is a part of me that is focused on self-will. I need to ask daily: Am I going to be inspired by God or tempted by the devil? Surrender to God’s will is my goal, and not taking it back is my dilemma. I don’t call this a failure. I call it a work in progress.
When you realize you are starting to live your life through love instead of fear you are right where you need to be; in God’s perfect love, in His Grace. God seems to turn our thinking upside down as we realize you have to surrender to win, to find real joy, to experience God’s love.
Love God, love people, Jesus first!
Dana Cramer
Celebrate Recovery // Crossroads Church
CELEBRATE RECOVERY/CROSSROADS CHURCH UPDATES/REMINDERS:
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- This is a reminder that CR is meeting live, in person, on Friday nights, starting at 6:30 pm at Crossroads Church. (Note: There will not be dessert at 6pm). Please bring a mask, as wearing a mask will be a requirement the entire time while inside of the church. We want to hold everyone’s safety paramount, so we will be following all of the County Health Guidelines.
- Special Note: We will not be providing childcare and children under the age of 18 are not permitted at this time. Also, we will not be providing any refreshments of dessert.
