Back and forth and then back again Logan would find himself. For five years he would go back and forth to the life he didn’t want to live anymore. When the partying and the people and behavior became too much, he would find the sense to go back to church. That would last for only a short time and Logan would go back to the drinking. Last year, he finally had enough. He knew he was doing it all wrong, but didn’t know how to do it right. He didn’t want to go back anymore.
“What am I doing wrong?” Logan confessed. “I knew I needed to get away from alcohol, from the bars, from the influences. I had been going to Citylight off and on for five years and decided to go back yet again. I really was ashamed of my story and struggled with believing I was saved. I knew I needed to follow and live for Jesus. After church that Sunday, I wanted to come back to faith. I went on the Citylight website and clicked on the Upcoming page and saw that a Christian Formation class was starting. I knew that’s where I could meet Christian friends and learn how to be a Christian.”
The Christian Formation class would also be the first time Logan jumped into community. For all those years going to church, he would go and sit in the back and right afterwards, he would leave. He was afraid of community, but his conviction this time was bigger than his fear.
“When I finally jumped out of my comfort zone and let God move, it all started to click,” Logan shared. “The community thing was huge. The class taught me how to live as a Christian.”
Logan was finally in Christian community and from those new relationships, friends were made and an understanding of who he was in Christ only created a desire for more. He jumped into anything he could from there.
“I wanted to fill my schedule with Jesus,” Logan said with the biggest smile. “I trusted God and went for it.”
Logan then heard about Men’s Bible Study and signed up for that. Studying the book of Genesis made the Bible come to life for him. After Christian Formation, he signed up for the next Discipleship Equipping class and when the next wasn’t offered at the Midtown location but only at the West location, he signed up and hopped in his car after church every Sunday and drove West for the class.
“The unifying story of the Bible,” Logan described, “and why Jesus came just showed me the beauty that comes from it. You were dead, and Jesus came and saved you from brokenness and gave you a secure place in eternity. It’s amazing.”
Each Discipleship Equipping class gave Logan new understanding and new freedom. As he was relearning who God was and his character, his mercy and love... more joy filled Logan’s heart and life. This year, Logan also started to read the Bible all the way through. Logan began to see and accept the fresh start God offers every day.
“The story of the Bible is one story!” Logan exclaimed. “Continually you read and see the pattern of God’s people failing, saving, failing, and then Jesus... he secured it all. The more I dove into that, through the classes and the Bible, I saw that those people are just like me. I struggled with whether I was saved, but God’s word has power to it. My life is joyful, my desires have changed and there is joy following him.”
With all the classes and Bible studies Logan took, the more friends Logan made. One was Jared Frye. Jared invited Logan to the men’s group on Thursday nights called Overcomers. Logan agreed and Jared didn’t think more of it. However, the very next Thursday, Logan showed up.
“I was just so hungry,” Logan explained. “I knew if I wanted to do this well, to follow Jesus and be involved, I needed to be serving. I was tired of the fight. I’ve been serving at Overcomers ever since. Those men are my brothers and it’s been amazing. I love following Jesus and serving people.”
This month marks one year being sober for Logan. Sharing what God has done in his life this past year is a way to celebrate but also, invite anyone who wants and needs to turn from their choices and turn to God.
“Seek God and find out who he is,” Logan concluded. “He will reveal himself to you. There’s community for you. Step out of your comfort zone. You will have to do this many times... but it’s worth it. Community is a big piece of the puzzle you are missing. You’ll make great friends. I tried to walk alone and it didn't work. I am super glad I stepped out of my comfort zone. So will you too!”
The shame is gone for Logan, and he will never go back. Today, he knows and understands and has the confidence in the saving blood of Jesus. Jesus is enough.