The Circle

It was moments of electricity! Last week at Real Talk Recovery we got in circles to talk about life changing situations where God had shown up. Incredible stories by people who had been locked in an addictive culture.

One woman shared that she had just entered a dope house when a smoke bomb was thrown in (not by police) and the place quickly caught fire. She jumped out of a second story window to safety but everyone else perished in the fire. Accident or the providence of God?

There were more enlightening stories of escape from death, an overdose and countless bad moments, all this in just one of a half dozen circles with 5-10 people. While it's easy for people to talk about solutions to drug and alcohol problems who are outside the circle so to speak, those who are in it experience these types of things almost daily living on the edge.

The question is why? And, the answers would take many conversations to come forth. But here is the problem which can be resolved. Change the circle you live in.  We get so caught up in having to be a certain way or living a certain lifestyle that we forget there is a way out that leads to circles like the one we were in where truth, forgiveness and understanding prevail.

Jesus created a circle of 12 men and selected women he would operate his ministry in that helped to create a new culture and offered redemption from any wandering lifestyle. Once he passed on to heaven, he left behind his Spirit literally, and figuratively in those closest to him - his circle. They helped change the world.

Today, we the recovered, we the redeemed from addiction, we the freed from sin are the circle that offers hope and encouragement to those who have barely escaped death. We need to remember to keep that circle open to anyone who wants to join us because the solution exists within the circle not just in the programs.

In that circle where the Lord is present, is where freedom is found!