2018 has been a good year for me in many ways. I brought in the New Year with one of my good friends Rachel. I had the opportunity to spend with Christmas last year with her and her husband. A Christmas I won’t soon forget. We have been friends for 9 years and I met Rachel at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch and I visit her as much as I can. God also showed me during this visit the root of my addiction. It was unforgiveness in my heart. My post about Where was God growing up talks about that experience I had.
Since forgiving my dad and stepmom I felt so free and celebrated 1 year of sobriety for addiction at the beginning of August. I pray for both of them something I never thought I would ever do in my entire life. Good friends of mine helped me celebrate this occasion. It was nice to hear how God has used me in the lives of each of my friends lives. I love how God continues to use me to encourage others through their trials.
I used to think trials in my life which seemed unending were such a burden and extremely annoying. Now I see them as an opportunity to understand others in their pain and to have passion and love towards others. I love this quote I read yesterday. ” The road of hurt is marked by Hope. ” I love this scripture and it’s very appropriate to this topic. ” All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all our comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort that God has given us. The more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with HIs comfort through Christ.” 2Cor 3 -5
Hope is something that has been huge in my Faith journey, without I would never have come out of addiction, grown so much in Christ or done any of the things I have done. The opposite of Hope is hopelessness, despair and doubt. For much of my life I have felt this. Not having a clue how to move forward and then caught in addiction, that it’s self will crush one in hopelessness. Hope comes from God and others in our community and helps us move forward. Having Hope gives one freedom from our pain that cripples us sometimes on a daily basis.
” I pray that God the source of Hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace; because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow in confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. ” Romans 15:13 As this year draws to an end can we come together and have that Hope and pray and reach out to those who still feel that hopelessness.
Happy New Year to all my readers. May God continue to use you all in His glory this upcoming year.
Blessings Sarah
Beauty from Ashes. 