Addiction And The Power To Change (3)
Wednesday October 9, 2013
When we come into a recovery program everything is new to us. We may feel awkward and out of place but, if we are genuine about our recovery, the people around us will help us. We are told that there is a Higher Power who could restore us to sanity. In Christian programs we acknowledge the God of the Bible as our Higher Power. Like the Father of a baby learning to walk, God will watch over us as we move forward in recovery with Him. He will teach us His ways and we will have Christ centered discussions and programs to help us grow in our relationship with God.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:17-18 NKJV)
God never intended us to live independent from Him. That’s what got us into trouble in the first place. We tried to solve our own problems and fix our own lives. We tried to live as though God didn't exist. Without God, we are not simply handicapped or less effective, without God we truly are powerless and can do nothing. This is how we got to where we are, powerless, broken in spirit, trapped in addiction.
Jesus said, “I am the vine, and you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will bear much fruit; for you can do nothing without me.” (John 15:5 GNT) Chemical addiction or other addictive behaviour is the result of wrong paths being chosen to meet legitimate needs. Our error was that we attempted to handle problems with our own solutions, which were only band aid solutions. The desire to meet these legitimate needs and real problems on our own establishes us as our own idol. We didn’t even think to consult God who alone has the power to help us. God will, and can effectively meet our need. Jesus came that we might have life and God has testified of His Son that we should listen to Him.
“This is my Son, marked by my love, focus of my delight. Listen to him.”
Jesus has told us that without Him we can do nothing. The Bible also tells us that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. Are you looking to Jesus to give you strength to recover your life?
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