Setting Captives Free Testimonies

Higher Stakes Testimony

Just a little recreational gambling. That's how it all began. Going to the casino seemed like a harmless break each week from the intensity of my job. I always thought I was the one in control. I continued to attend church during the whole downward spiral. I tried to compartmentalize my life into MY time and God's time.



Debt began to accumulate as multiple credit cards were maxed out. After a horrendous car wreck and the death of my husband, insurance money temporarily cleared my debt. As my sin increased so did my debt. For five years I would repeat the cycle of refinancing my house and out of control sinning. Getting ahead was always the rationalization for writing larger and larger checks to continue my obsession with winning. Surely the next time would see my luck change. I had exhausted every source of "nest egg" money. My family was no longer willing to bail me out. When I could no longer pay my bills and had written checks I could not cover, I realized I needed help.



I finally turned to my pastor and confessed my sin. He set up weekly counseling times and enlisted the help of two women in the church to encourage and support me. He found the Setting Captives Free program for me. Once again I fell into the trap because of my thinking I could win enough to ease my financial problems. When this came to light, only through God's grace was I able to renew my battle against Satan's power.



God revealed His mercy and grace through His word and Setting Captives Free. God showed me that only with humility and submission would His power be accessed. Daily dying to self was required and was only possible through prayer, time delving into the Scriptures, and working through the lessons of Setting Captives Free. I am continually amazed and blessed by using the resources recommended by this progam. Accountability at first was embarrassing, then I began to see it as a crucial step in walking in the light. Only a loving God would provide the support of my mentors and the framework of Setting Captives Free.



I never again want to sink into the darkness that concious sinning causes. The more I submit to the will of God, the more He shows His faithfulness and love. It is overwhelming when I think of how undeserving I am of His grace and how anxious He is to bestow it. God requires repentance first, then He can begin to demonstrate His power to fight my battles. There is nothing to compare to living life abundantly. The sacrifice of Christ was because of my sin. I owe my very life to Him. He is entitled to my living my life to bring Him glory. I can never repay the debt I owe. I can only try to be obedient and submissive so that God can use me to accomplish His will with my life. I know His will is for me to be victorious through faith in Him.

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