Deana Cotter
Twenty-four years ago, I got sober from alcohol and drugs. Through the 12 Steps of AA, many of which are rooted in biblical principles, God graced me with sobriety.
Since getting sober, I always believed in God, but I didn’t really know Him. I considered myself a spiritual seeker, but I mostly avoided the Bible and Church. Why? I guess pure ignorance and believing what other people said. This led me into many New Age practices. Some of them felt helpful for a time.
For many years I was living a life that I thought was good. I prided myself on becoming a better person day by day. Eventually my emotional health came crashing down and I found myself depressed, and full of regret for some decisions I had made. I started going to church but declared I would never leave new age practices. Much of last year I tried to blend Scripture with these other new age beliefs, but I came to a point where I felt lower than ever. Tortured! I knew I had to choose.
One morning in October 2025, in deep pain, I got on my knees and turned my life over to Jesus fully. I decided to totally leave the new age. I chose to follow Him only!
The next morning, I was awakened by Jesus praying over me.. I don’t remember the words, but I know it happened. It was peaceful, clear, and real. That moment confirmed the truth for me. I was saved! I wanted God to instantly remove every burden, every shame, every heaviness. Instead, He gave me a desire to know him. Romans 12:2 says “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” I am being transformed by God’s word in the Bible. I am so in love with the Bible.
In the last few months my depression has lifted and I have a desire to make God proud of me. He has also opened my eyes wide to the enemy’s ways in the new age and how I was a slave to the enemy and how exhausting that life style was. Today I feel so free because I now know the truth.
When I look back, I can see so many moments where Jesus was saying “Follow Me.”, but I would look for a moment and then turn away because I thought I knew better.
Today, I follow You, Jesus. I love you.