Last night was our kickoff for Celebrate Recovery’s start of year 17. It was a great evening with short testimonies of what the ministry has done for them. I think the most common expression was centered around the fact that CR is not only a safe place to share whatever is on one’s heart, but it is also a place where one senses the fullness of family. Support is there, nurture is found as one goes through their struggle and each and everyone who stays through this time of struggle ends up finding the greatest Gift of all–freedom from their bondage as only can be found through Jesus Christ and the desire to share this freedom with those who need to know there is hope for themselves.

This morning I’m taking one of our young men to breakfast. He is one who found freedom in his earlier years of attendance but has had a couple of very troubling experiences which have left him with a great sense of loss and worthlessness. He’s very quiet so I’m hoping and praying that he will be able to find words in a different environment. God knows all of this and I pray we can break through some of this torment as we meet.

God’s timing is sure never mine. I have learned the value of struggles and I sure know the pain of going through them. God will use this man and his strife, I know, but watching him struggle is not easy. This I give to God in prayer. God is always, always trustworthy and I place my trust in HIM.