The Steps

If you look at the side bar on the left and scroll down a bit, you will notice the 12 Christian Steps to Recovery. Since we are kicking off a new year, I believe it is the perfect time to start discussing the 12 steps so that those of you that have never worked them, will better understand how they work and what God accomplishes through them.
The "Life Recovery Workbook" by Stephen Arterburn and David Stoop puts it best: "It is about transformation: from death to life, from addiction to recovery. It is about walking humbly, righteously, and mercifully with God while accepting and doing his will. In our compulsions and addictions, we have opposed God's will by hurting ourselves, our bodies, and our loved ones. We have been separated from God and from other people. The Twelve Steps are a path to finding that humble walk that leads us out of self-centeredness and closer to God's Heart".
We will be looking at each step individually, and the challenge it presents in order to start living a daily life free from from bondage. Each step presents a new challenge in itself, but none were meant to stand alone. All twelve steps are needed to be worked in order, each one preparing us for the next as we develop greater humility and openness to God.
Though the road to recovery can be hard and painful work, it is worth it. God meets us on this path as we become willing to take each step toward a better life. As we go forward we lose are old old ways of coping and our old struggles, and we begin to experience spiritual growth. A new found honesty, humility and courage develops in us, which are parts of our strong faith in God that allows us to face any circumstance, difficulty or feeling with grace and strength.
I would like to say, for those of you wanting to do the twelve steps, I highly suggest finding a recovery/ support group in your area, that works the steps. It is easier than going at it alone. What I mean is although we are never alone with Jesus as Lord of our lives, God uses people in our lives for support, teaching and accountability. In these groups you will meet people who have been, or are going through the same circumstances as you. Together you will share your struggles and triumphs supporting each other, and praying for one another on the journey to recovery, forming new bonds and friendships along the way. Having a sponsor from your group is discipleship, someone who is able to teach you from experience what and what not to do, and who will be there for you during the times when you are struggling. They will teach you in the ways of God and his will. Sounds a lot like an Apostle huh? Well the Apostles were the same way, besides God, they were accountable to each other and responsible for teaching new disciples God's ways, so that they too would some day teach and preach. One day God will use you too!! So find a group and start your Journey to recovery today!
God Bless You All!!