Lord Change Me

Lord Change Me
by Anna Snow

“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. ² Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves” Romans 13:1-2 (NIV)

“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” Galatians 6:1 (NKJV) 

In October of 2002, I was brand new in the Lord – all cleaned up and on fire for God. God had just delivered me from a 10-year long addiction to meth and toxic abusive relationships. In love with Jesus, I wanted to share everything God had done for me, and I wanted everyone to know this Jesus I had just met.

So, I moved from Missouri, all the way back to California, back to my stomping grounds, back to the people I believed needed Jesus more than anyone. Yes, they needed Jesus, but I could have prayed for them from the safety of my home in Missouri. Even after much encouragement to stay, I thought I knew what Jesus was saying to me, so I made my way back to California.

Keep in mind my church family, my support system, and my family were all in Missouri. At that time, I had not yet heard of Katie Souza or any of her teaching, so I didn’t even have that to help guide me. I had simply learned about Jesus and wanted to go and share what Jesus had done for me.

I thought I was good and ready; man was I wrong! The Bible is clear when it says to consider yourself, or you may also be tempted. The first few weeks back in California, I was able to stay strong. Then, I finally gave in and began using meth again. This time was worse than any other time. I tried so hard to stop, but because I had been delivered and then went back to the familiar environment that had previously controlled me, I opened a door for many demonic spirits in that region to come after me!

 “When the unclean spirit comes out of a person, it roams through waterless places in search [of a place] of rest; and not finding any, it says, ‘I will go back to my house (person) from which I came.’ ²⁵ And when it comes, it finds the place swept and put in order. ²⁶ Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they go in [the person] and live there; and the last state of that person becomes worse than the first.” Luke 11:24-26 (AMP) 

Finally, after much pain, and the fight of my life, my brother called me to share what Jesus had done for him, and to apologize for the pain he had caused in my life. He had found the Lord and had been clean now for 4 years! Wow! I had barely even made it one year!

He called me to tell me how Jesus saved him and he was now serving God. He had found a church family in Missouri who was supporting and training him in the Lord.  He hadn’t relocated from Missouri where God had planted him and left himself open for assault, like I had done.

So, I returned home to Missouri, stopped using drugs, and cried out, “Lord, change me, and I will live for you!”

Since then, I have been clean and living for God. It has been seven years now. God has rocked my world and I cannot even imagine a life without Him. Now, I work for Katie Souza Ministries, where I am still growing and getting my soul healed, on a daily basis.

My transformation began with that desperate cry of, “Lord, change me, and I will live for you!”

Now that I have been healed in my soul of the wounding that caused addiction, God uses me to share Jesus and His healing message with others who face the same battles I used to.

New believers need support and accountability to grow in the Lord! It took many years to fight through all the demons that I had allowed to attack me, because I had run directly into a war that I knew nothing about. In the process of being away from my church family and the people who loved me, Holy Spirit walked and talked with me to restore me into right relationship with God. The journey back was not an easy one. Since then, I wait for clear direction and confirmation from the Lord before running head first into battle.

Can you see how being away from the body of Christ can be hazardous for a new believer?

Think of a time when what appeared to be a good thing to do, was not the best decision you could have made. Would your choice have been different if you sought counsel from a trusted believer?

Are you on fire for the Lord, and want to be used by Him but don’t know how or where to start?

God wants to train you in His ways then release you to help bring others to Him!  Ask Holy Spirit to reveal your next step.  Listen closely and purpose in your heart to move only according the Lord’s leading, and not your fleshly reactions.

Have you been blessed by this ministry? If so, consider Partnering with us or making a One Time Gift! I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers!