20 Years Strong in Him

20 Years Strong in Him

Almost 20 years ago, I came to Word of Life totally broken, captured by cocaine, sex… you name it. I entered the New Life Dream Women’s Center in 1990 and graduated in 1991.

While in the Center, the Lord gave me a great job making more than ever before. But that was little compared to how our Lord Jesus made me strong to stay in Him. I also stayed as night staff for over 3 years until I got married—not because I wanted—but because God called me to do so.

In that time period, God taught me to trust Him, to hold onto Him, to really get to know Him and His true Love—that I could rely on Him. I truly believe that allowing God to be in control built me to be able to endure in marriage, health devastation and all else!

Today God wants you to know He loves you, He made you for a specific purpose that only He can bring forth. He will never abandon His work in us. We simply must keep our eyes upon Him and our heart fixed upon Him.

This year marks 15 years married to my faithful husband, though there were times I wondered if we could ever be friends; we couldn’t agree on very much. Today is the best time of our marriage and I see us growing and loving in new ways.

I went through cancer surgery in 2003 and suffered complications resulting in the loss of natural bodily functions. God was with me, comforted me in the hospital bed and told me He was there and that I was His, to trust Him and just be His vessel.

Here I am today healthy and joyful in Jesus my Savior!

Today God wants you to know He loves you, He made you for a specific purpose that only He can bring forth. He will never abandon His work in us. We simply must keep our eyes upon Him and our heart fixed upon Him.

Psalm 57 says: Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me: for my soul trusts in you: yes, in the shadow of your wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be over. I will cry to God Most High, To God who accomplishes all things for me. My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.

— Shirley S., 1991 Graduate