Capbuster,
It does happen and I am an example of it.
I was raised a JW since I was a little girl. I pioneered for many years and after I married. I was disfellowshiped in the early 80's and lost all family and friends. It was devastating. Yet for some reason I could not and did not want to go back. I still did believe it was the truth and that I had gotton weeded out. I did not measure up. All those works got erased with one announcement from the platform.
I spent 16 years in limbo away from God. I felt so unworthy that I dared not read the bible ever. I believed what they had told me. That God wanted nothing more to do with me and that he would not hear my prayers. I was always so hurt and disliked myself inside for not having done a better job worshiping him and running that race to the finish.
About 4 years ago I began reading the bible. I forced myself to. I could not stand not having God in my life and having answers to things. It was very difficult to do, but a force that I did not understand was working with me and came out of the clear blue. I now know that it was the holy spirit.
It took over 3 years of reading. I met a person who became my friend and after awhile I found out they were christian. I acceptedd an invitation to go to a non denominational church (calvary chapel). I felt so guilty going. I felt I entered satans den. I felt even guiltier because I liked what I heard the pastor speak about. This continued on for another couple of years. I could not understand this born again thing.
One day..... while on an airplane, of all places, (LOL) God hit me in a big way. I became born again in a big way. I finally understood what it was to accpet Jesus as my savior. To give him the deity, honor and thanks he deserved. I finally knew what being a gift given in grace ment. I finally understood that no man, or religion or amount of knowledge or works could save me.
Best of all, though you may not understand the pain and quilt ex Jw's go thru is........I was cured of it. It was not that I had the answers all at once......BUT I FINALLY HAD THE FREEDOM in my mind to read the bible and believe what it said with out being an apostate for not agreeing with the JW organization.
So.....it does happen. I am a born again christian who now tries to help other ex JWs that are hurting. I now can do this out of love and not do it because I have a time card to fill out and want to save my own hide by earning brownie points with God. What a difference to do acts out of love rather than obligation.
much agape love gold Morning
