Last night’s testimony for our Celebrate Recovery was an individual who has been part of our group for the past 5-6 years. She has held a role in our ministry which is needed, but her behaviors were often leaving some with frustrations. With the children she was great. In the past 18 months she was able to complete a step study and that resulted in her sharing her story. She struggles with mental health issues which she spoke about. She is on medication, but her story last night was a revelation all of us needed to hear. It was as though for 30 minutes I stepped into the skin of living with mental illness and the reality of this. From the manner in which the testimony was delivered to the content itself, it fit and gave a clear picture of God’s Work with her. 

As we got to the share group time I was once again shown something God was wanting me to understand. A man I have been meeting with in the counseling ministry was in attendance. He shared that this testimony was as though he were telling his own story. He has completed a step study but he has never had the opportunity to seek medical help for his issue due to no medical insurance. The amazing thing is that he is meeting this morning with the VA. He has petitioned for help due to his service time. This would allow him to get the professional help I know he would benefit from. I have known from the counseling that he has much more potential that he portrays. My prayer today is this assistance will be awarded to him. 

Too often we see the world through the narrow lens for which we live and do not take the time to try and understand where another is coming from. We too quickly judge behaviors rather than discern. I loved how God used this testimony last night to awaken myself and many others. He never wastes any hurt, hang-up or habit if we will surrender it to Him and obey Him in sharing His work in us with others.