I am writing about another student here at Teen Challenge. She is a very tall, beautiful energetic girl. Her name is Erica and after observing her and then getting to know her a little, I needed to tell her story that was published in the TC newsletter.
For most of my life I was not afraid of anything. I struggled with eating disorders and by the age of 14 I was using drugs and alcohol heavily. I always said I was not afraid of dying.
About a year ago I was hospitalized for a drug overdose and diagnosed with an enlarged liver and kidney malfunction. I had given up. I wasn’t afraid to die because I was dead inside already. I was crippled by a fear to live, a fear to face the reality around me. I had lost hope but my family had not given up on me and had faith in me and so did God.
In this short time I have been here at Teen Challenge, God has been working on me at a rapid rate. I have come to understand that God allowed me to fall so far just so he could rise me high. I can say I am still not afraid to die because God has given me the promise that when I leave this earth I have eternal life with Him.
I live with a new fear. It is not earthly but it’s the Lord. Proverbs 19:23 says “The fear of the Lord leads to life; Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.” Only now my fear doesn’t cripple me -- it drives me to do His will. I’m afraid of letting Him down and not fulfilling the purpose He has for me. Now God overwhelms me with joy and praise.
Teen Challenge has provided a place where I can come, sit, be still and hear His voice. Now I am living and not afraid of it. My purpose is to love God and serve Him for the rest of my life.
For most of my life I was not afraid of anything. I struggled with eating disorders and by the age of 14 I was using drugs and alcohol heavily. I always said I was not afraid of dying.
About a year ago I was hospitalized for a drug overdose and diagnosed with an enlarged liver and kidney malfunction. I had given up. I wasn’t afraid to die because I was dead inside already. I was crippled by a fear to live, a fear to face the reality around me. I had lost hope but my family had not given up on me and had faith in me and so did God.
In this short time I have been here at Teen Challenge, God has been working on me at a rapid rate. I have come to understand that God allowed me to fall so far just so he could rise me high. I can say I am still not afraid to die because God has given me the promise that when I leave this earth I have eternal life with Him.
I live with a new fear. It is not earthly but it’s the Lord. Proverbs 19:23 says “The fear of the Lord leads to life; Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.” Only now my fear doesn’t cripple me -- it drives me to do His will. I’m afraid of letting Him down and not fulfilling the purpose He has for me. Now God overwhelms me with joy and praise.
Teen Challenge has provided a place where I can come, sit, be still and hear His voice. Now I am living and not afraid of it. My purpose is to love God and serve Him for the rest of my life.
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