One day leaving work, I got a call from M. She invited me to a bible study group her and her husband were having. I agreed to come. I figured I would give it a few sessions and see how it went. I walked over to the meeting location, which was the house M and her husband S were renting in Petoskey. It was supposed to start at 6:30 in the evening. But it usually got organized and underway when everyone arrived closer to 7. I was taught and trained by my parents that it’s better to be early than late. So I showed up at their doorstep at 6:00.
I had no idea what they were to talk about. But this being my first time, I wasn’t required to take part in the study discussion. I was required to do the reading for next time. They asked if anyone had prayer requests. I said I have a request, while quietly thinking, “if they are willing to help, great. If they immediately kicked me out, at least there were other things I could do on the nights they met.”. I admitted I felt defeated and was dealing with darkness inside me.
After attending the group for a while S suggested going through a book called Bondage Breaker. He said he would read through it with me and we would discuss it when I arrived early for bible study. I agreed, because I had nothing to lose but everything to gain again. One chapter a week made the process take a number of months, but it was worth it.
The darkness was slowly losing its grip on me. Once I got to the point of exercises, there was a prayer/statement you were supposed to say out loud before each exercise. I did and on my walks to bible study after saying that, it was quiet in my head. No nagging thoughts, no negativity, just quiet. I admit I was very surprised. The darkness hasn’t bothered me since I finished the exercises. And I am still going to that same bible study.