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Trusting God
Finally admitting our powerlessness over alcohol or drugs leaves us in a very helpless situation. How on earth do we find a solution to a problem we admit we have no power or control over? Scripture provides the answer in many places but perhaps nowhere any more concise than James’ words.
(James 4:8) Come near to God and he will come near to you.
Herein lies our salvation. WE may be powerless over alcohol and drugs but GOD isn’t and all we need is the slightest bit of willingness. Pastor Brian said it this way, “I am struggling to be in control rather than being under control.”
Step 2 – “Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.”
My “bottom” was adequately low to motivate me to any change and if trusting God with my daily life was the path I had to learn then learn it I would. Again, since God does not make hard terms with which He must be approached, I only needed to open the door and I began to experience His grace. Surrender to His leadership and wisdom, however, is absolutely a matter of “progress not perfection.” Day after day, situation after situation, trauma after trauma, we all get “lifed on” and must learn to trust God each and every time by doing our best with the gifts we have been given.
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Making Amends
Pastor Brian also addressed what we need to do in order to “clean up” our past wrongs. These may be wrongs from our distant past or wrongs from this very afternoon even with years or decades of recovery. The need for this is Biblical as clearly stated by James.
(James 4:9-10) Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
By making amends for our wrongs we free ourselves from guilt and can, once again, look our fellow man square in the eye with no more hiding the truth or hiding from the truth. Although a daunting proposition at first glance, this step is incredibly freeing.
Step 9 – “Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.”
“I’m sorry” was worn thin, and then worn completely out, long ago. What is needed now is to look the person squarely in the eye and tell them that we were wrong, that it will never happen again, and ask if there is anything we can do to make up for it. These humbling acts result in the manifestation of God’s word, “… and He will lift you up.” This is the freedom I referenced earlier. Its truly difficult to describe the experience and feeling but, suffice it to say, it works and then we can walk with head held high and live a life worthy of any Christian. Once cleansed, we guard against transgressions each and every day but always keeping a personal inventory (Step 10) and willing to make amends immediately as needed.
“I’m sorry” was worn thin, and then worn completely out, long ago. What is needed now is to look the person squarely in the eye and tell them that we were wrong, that it will never happen again, and ask if there is anything we can do to make up for it. These humbling acts result in the manifestation of God’s word, “… and He will lift you up.” This is the freedom I referenced earlier. Its truly difficult to describe the experience and feeling but, suffice it to say, it works and then we can walk with head held high and live a life worthy of any Christian. Once cleansed, we guard against transgressions each and every day but always keeping a personal inventory (Step 10) and willing to make amends immediately as needed.