February 6, 2013

The Road to Recovery :: STEP TWO



STEP TWO: 

Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.


For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. ~ Philippians 2:13



PRINCIPLE TWO: (Celebrate Recovery)

Earnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to him and that he has the power to help me recover.


Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. ~ Matthew 5:4



At this stage of our recovery journey we are beginning to find peace with God; faith is birthing within our heart and soul. Our spirit has been pricked by the Holy One, nudging us back home to a safe place ruled by Love.


When we humble ourselves by recognizing God's power it brings us to a place where we can believe for more, we become able to receive the strength we desparately need to recover. Only through honest transparency about our weaknesses, our hurts, habits and hang-ups, can we truly find healing. We will never be totally free until we yield ourselves to God.

God knows all our dirty little secrets but he needs us to know that He knows. Not to rub our nose in them, but when we can feel ashamed for the right reason, when we have a true sense of regret for our past actions, maybe, just maybe, we can learn from them.



Principle Two is the Hope principle. Here is the acrostic from Celebrate Recovery:


H - Higher Power  
For everything comes from him; everything exists by his power and is intended for his glory. To him be glory evermore. ~ Romans 11:36

O - Openness to change 
Throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception. Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes.  ~ Ephesians 4:22-23

P - Power to change 
Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. ~ Psalm 25:5

E - Expectation to change  
I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again. ~ Philippians 1:6


By admitting our powerlessness in Step One we moved from a life filled with pain and suffering to one with hope. Our hope grows when we believe that a power greater than ourselves, Jesus Christ, can and will restore us to sanity.


Are you struggling today? Is your life one of insanity and despair?

Don't delay. Call out to Jesus. He alone has the power to change your life.


He is your Hope for a better tomorrow!


Reflect on hope in Christ as you listen to our Road to Recovery theme song by David Zasloff: http://youtu.be/yHIO_1JlBKc



Resources:
Celebrate Recovery Bible
Life Recovery Bible
The Twelve Steps for Christians