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| Dawn at Ocean Isle Beach, NC (taken 8-09-11) |
Just a year ago found me preparing to lead a Bible study for the first time since college. I was in a hard place, a dark one. Depression had snagged me again, and it was hard to look up and see the sun.
But God had also been speaking to me.
Through others He had urged me to go back and see my former counselor for a bit. Then He set a desire in my heart to have a Bible study with “my ladies” from the previous year. The thing was, even before that He set in me a powerful desire to go through Beth Moore’s Breaking Free Bible study. Then one of “my ladies” approached me to see if I was going to do a study, actually lead a study.
Feeling that was another prompting of the Spirit, I said yes, got people together, ordered the workbooks and borrowed the video sessions from another church.
“Breaking Free” followed by “Believing God” were two ways that God really worked some healing in my life.
God has healed me and brought me through so much. In 2007 and 2008 He did the major reconstruction. This time was a minor remodel, but it shook me and changed me. Now more than ever I am resting on the Truth, and able to recognize and combat the lies.
“[The Enemy has] greatly oppressed me from my youth, but [he has] not gained the victory over me. …the Lord is righteous; He has cut me free from the cords of the wicked.” Psalm 129:2 and 4 (slight rewording mine)
Depression has fled before the Lord, the One who fights for me. There are times of doubt, wavering, depression. Not light before. Not despair. Worry sometimes? The tendency to be anxious? Yes, but it doesn’t go too overboard if I catch it right away, and combat it with the truth!
God has led me into the dawning of a new season.
I am leading a Bible study again this fall with “my ladies” and hopefully a few more added to our group. I feel more excited than fearful. Anticipation more than dread at the thought of leading. And really, I don’t “lead” God does. We share and discuss and open our hearts to one another. The Holy Spirit works in our hearts.
We all have seen great things happen in each other’s lives as a result of God using the Bible studies, and our prayers for each other.
- Freedom from depression
- Freedom from anxiety in new surroundings
- Husbands coming to church with their wives
- Family units getting stronger
- Children and grandchildren being kept save
- Peace in our own hearts about other concerns
All of us are learning to turn to God, to really believe that:
- God is who He says He is.
- God can do what He says He can do.
- I am who God says I am.
- I can do all things through Christ.
- God’s Word is alive and active in me.
We are believing God!
I am so looking forward to this new season in my life. I am finding myself anticipating more than ever what God is going to do, and how He is going to reveal Himself and His character to me. He loves us to know Him more, and He loves to show us new facets of who He is. I can’t wait to draw nearer to my Savior.
