God used this place to change me

It was probably close to 7 months AFTER my first night at CR that I actually wanted to be here.  It finally clicked – God was working in me and I could feel it & see it.  I was enjoying meeting new people, I loved the worship service, I loved the encouragement I received, I liked going to open share and actually talking, I just loved all of it!  I met some amazing women who became my accountability partners, and I had a sponsor that was attentive and eager to help me heal! 

I remember driving to CR that night and being so excited to get there, it was the first night I really, truly wanted to be there!!  I had just sat down to eat dinner and my husband called, he was working in Midwest City and had locked his keys in his truck and he needed me to come unlock his truck for him.  I’ll be honest, I was ticked.  This is the first night I really wanted to be at CR and I just wanted to worship and hear the testimony and I didn’t want to leave.  (Insert pity party here.)  Ugh…I jumped on I-35 and headed to Midwest City, while driving I was mumbling to myself in frustration and cranked K-love to try to get in a better mood. 

While driving I had an Ah-Ha moment, Satan didn’t want me at CR.  God was using this CR place to change me and Satan wasn’t thrilled with the changes he was seeing!  He loved the old me.  He knew getting me out of there would get my mind off the healing and take my focus off my desire to be there, once I figured out his (Satan’s) plan I just laughed out loud.  When I showed up to help my husband I was cracking up, and I was so excited that I figured all this out, I was rambling and talking really fast telling him how Satan had done all this to get me out of CR and that’s the reason why he locked his keys in the car and I was just so excited that it had happened.  My husband just looked at me wide eyed, shaking his head (giving me that you’re crazy nod) and said, “Well good, I’m glad I could help.”  I unlocked his truck and jumped back on I-35 and walked in right when the testimony was starting.  Satan didn’t win and I was pumped!

Now, almost 2 years later, I still have to remind myself of this story sometimes.  I don’t always walk in the door on Friday night with a smile on my face, but then I stop and remind myself GOD used this place to change me.  To be honest, I don’t always want to be here on a Friday night - but then I stop and remind myself GOD used this place to change me.  I can’t forget that, I can’t forget why I keep coming back.    I come back because it’s a place that I see friends, a place where I’m comforted, a safe place to share, a place that keeps me accountable, and a place that I can encourage others.  God used this place to change me – and THAT’s why I keep coming back.

Grateful Believer,

Karyn

We must not become tired of doing good.  We will receive our harvest of eternal life at the right time if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9