Miraculous Freedom

Hi, my name is Andrea and I’m married to Marty. We have a 9 year old daughter called Evie. When Lyndsey asked me a couple of weeks ago if I could write a blog on brokeness; I was thrilled. When I started thinking about what to write about I took myself to a very dark place back in 2008. I was a patient in a psychiatric unit and I was very ill. I had lost my only Sister tragically to suicide and began to lose hope; I really did need a miracle.

My Mother in law was part of a Healing Ministry and had sent me a book of testimonies as well as a hand held cross. As I began to read them I was gripped. I thought I have to go to that place as I had nothing to lose. A short while afterwards I gave my life to Jesus. Things were far from good. Despite having a loving Husband who supported me and a beautiful daughter, I was lost and in a very dark place. No one could reach me. But back then, little did I know the plans God had for my life.

That same evening I was desperate for a miracle I was given a bookmark which had Matthew 11:28 printed on it; “Come to me all you who are weary and I will give you rest”. Oh how I longed for rest. Then, in 2011 I lost my Dad to leukemia and on the same day one year later, I lost My Mum. They were in the same Hospice together. Why was life so hard? I had lost all my family, where was God? But He was right there bedside me and despite all my doubts, fears and insecurities; He never left me.

Things started to change for me a few years back as I began to accept that it was God who had ALL the answers and not me. I began seeking God and as Peter writes I began accepting that I had been called out of the darkness into the light (1 Peter 2:9). I was going through counselling and beginning to heal. God was really digging into every area of my life to bring freedom.

I truly believe God gifts each one of us in different areas. I have felt very privileged to have had the opportunity to pray with many people in and out of church. Through this I am able to share my journey and give others hope, the same hope I found in Jesus. I am learning to hear Gods voice clearly and I know He is calling me into Prayer Ministry. I know all of this would not have been possible if I hadn’t gone through all that happened in 2008. Now I have peace and joy and no matter what lies ahead I am excited to step out and do what God calls me to do and all for His glory! I know that Jesus came to set the captives free and who the son sets free, they are free indeed! (Isaiah 61:1-3).

We had been at a few churches over the years but never really settled anywhere as a Family. That changed in October 2016 when we went to Falkirk Vineyard Church. I am so pleased to say that we haven’t looked back. There is loads going on and we serve God on the hospitality and kids team. It is great to be supported and loved in all seasons by our wonderful leaders and ALL of our friends. We serve an awesome God and knowing that He will never leave us or forsake us is something we hold onto.

I have truly learned that no matter what we have got going on in our lives our circumstances may change but God never changes. Slowly I have learned to put my trust in Him and not people or things of the world. Currently I am doing a Bible study with a good friend from Church and also do a Bible study with a fab group of ladies from Church studying different books. We are all challenged but God is gentle and He always brings things up at the right time – He will never give us more than we can handle. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. I am fully trusting Him to guide me on what lies ahead.

Each one of us has a choice every day on how we are going to be. I chose joy and I thank God that He is my miracle and everything I lost He has returned twice over. If you follow Jesus; you will be changed from the inside out.

Love Andrea x