In His Image Testimony: Rie

Before I enrolled in the course I was just getting over depression, self harm and suicidal thoughts. Whenever I felt down I would eat nonstop, which I learnt later was me trying to fill a void that only God could fill. I had low self confidence and struggled with a lot of self hatred. Sometimes I wouldnt leave the home if I looked at the mirror on the way out and didnt like what I saw, this caused me to miss important events like birthdays and weddings. Sometimes when Im out and there a big group of people I would feel self concious and try to leave or hide. I was upset that I wasnt living! My eating habits and self image controlled me, at this point I didnt yet know it was a sin, but I came to a point where I didnt want it to have control over me. One of the things I loved about the course was that it was God focused and Bible centred. I realise the true issue was my relationship with God and the state of my heart, and that I was filling my heart with the wrong things that were not of Him. Doing the studies everyday drew me closer to Him. At first it was very challenging and I wanted to pull out but Im glad I finished it. While doing the course I also noticed other sinful areas in my life, (not necessarily having to do with eating habits), which controlled me, were dropping away. I fell in love with God all over again, I now feel so much happier, and I wake up thanking and praising God, which makes me feel happy too. Even now there are many challenges in my life but Im facing them headstrong with God, by letting Him help me and keeping my eyes on Him, whereas in the past I wouldve run away or fallen in a depression. God has also brought the right people in my life to help with the journey. I also received, and still receving countless blessings! Even non Christians in my life have noticed a complete change! I also got baptised soon after I finished the course. Im still not perfect, every now and then I might slip back into old habits and have issues with my image, body, eating etc but at least now I have God and the right tools to battle it. I thank God for Settings Captives Free, as it set me free. I am now closer to God, happy, confident and excited!!!