Recovery programs in my city require a one-year court-ordered commitment, the individual’s progress is monitored by a probation officer. For over a decade, I’ve volunteered at The Mission at Kern County, a one-year discipleship program for women and children. The program is structured and safe, the women sign off on smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, and taking drugs for a year. The women choose to re-learn how to live without dependence on chemicals, substances and illegal or immoral habits to support themselves. Through Bible classes in a discipleship program, the women learn how to say “no” to the flesh and “yes” to the Spirit. They are taught how to live with a “less is more” attitude, especially when it comes to relying on themselves. They learn how to walk close to God and rely on His power.
One day, I arrived to teach my weekly women’s class and I sensed the women were very discouraged. I found out three of their fellow residents, all within a mere month of graduation, had tested dirty on their weekly drug test. All three had made the choice to leave the safety and security of the women’s home and had gone back onto the streets.
We were all disappointed, we prayed for them. I’d prepared the teaching for the day from Judges 7, when God minimized Gideon’s army. Through a few tests, God reduced Gideon’s army of 32,000 men to a mere 300 soldiers who would go to battle. God said to Gideon in Judges 7:2 (ESV), “The people who are with you are too many, lest Israel become boastful saying, My own power has delivered me.” God told Gideon, “I will deliver you with only 300 men.” Gideon believed God and went forward into battle with a much smaller army than he had planned. Instead of relying on manpower by way of the number of soldiers he would send to do battle, he was forced to depend only on God’s power.
After we studied what God said to Gideon, we saw how God might reduce or minimize the women’s numbers so the remainder would recommit to fighting their battle only with God’s strength. That day, the remaining women made a renewed commitment to stand firm on God’s promises, experience success in personal recovery from drugs and alcohol, and gain spiritual strength for graduation only though His supernatural power.
Let’s pray, “Father, thank You for opportunities to watch You win a battle. Help us to be renewed, revived, and reduced so everyone knows the victor is only through Your power. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
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Exchanging hurt for hope is Sheryl Giesbrecht’s focus—a message she shares with audiences as a radio and television personality, author and speaker. A dynamic teacher and motivating leader, Giesbrecht has endured many changes and challenges, moving her to a deep faith, trust and dependence on God.
She served as Focus on the Family’s columnist for Pastor’s Wives for four years. Hundreds of her columns, magazine and devotional articles have appeared in Focus on The Family Magazine, Just Between Us, Discipleship Journal, CCM, Walk Thru the Bible’s – InDeed and Tapestry publications.
Giesbrecht’s radio show, “Transformed Through Truth” is nationally and internationally syndicated and heard daily by over 10 million listeners on networks across the United States. The Holy Spirit Broadcasting Network shares the show internationally on seven continents. “Transformed Through Truth” launched as a 30-minute internet television teaching feature in March 2017. To view this amazing teaching time, go to www.HSBN.tv.
Sheryl has a heart for missions and is avid about reaching out to the poor and needy, locally through the Rescue Mission and worldwide through various ministry partners. Giesbrecht is a Lead Like Jesus Facilitator and missionary with Freedom In Christ Ministries (www.FICM.org) and has been personally involved with equipping hundreds and facilitating the training of thousands of leaders internationally. Sheryl’s latest book is entitled It’ll Be Okay: Finding God When Doubt Hides the Truth.
The joys of Giesbrecht’s life are her children and thirteen grandchildren. She is excited about the new beginning she shares with her marriage to Dr. Jim Turner. Sheryl holds a Bachelor of Arts from Biola University, a Master’s in Ministry and a Doctorate of Theology.
Learn more about Sheryl Giesbrecht on her website, www.sherylgt.com. She also invites readers to follow her on Facebook, and on Twitter (@SGiesbrecht).
