In Step 3 of the 12 Step Program we determine to turn our will and our life over to the care of God as we understand him. At this point in our recovery we may not be altogether sure of this God and how He will impact our lives. Can we trust Him? What does He say is good for us that we have never tried before? In our addiction we never really tried to follow rules or principles so how can we turn our will and our life over? In this situation we are asked to turn it over to His CARE and this is the essential word in this Step.
It is God’s will that your good lives should silence those who foolishly condemn the Gospel without knowing what it can do for them, having never experienced its power. You are free from the law, but that doesn’t mean you are free to do wrong. Live as those who are free to do only God’s will at all times. (1 Peter 2:15-16 TLB)
How can any individual feel worthy in the care of this God of unfailing love? Our experience is one of helplessness and hopelessness against the evil powers of destruction in our lives. God draws us close to Himself if we let Him and when we respond to God’s gracious offer of forgiveness and restoration, God gives us a new heart and fills us with his Spirit. This new heart is God’s gift to those who believe in the redeeming work of Jesus on their behalf.
As we turn our will and our life over to God’s care, God’s Spirit enables us to make decisions that follow His principles and give us fullness and meaning in life. In a way that may surprise us and those around us, we actually become individuals who please God and find daily satisfaction in doing so. How does God bring about this incredible transformation in us?
God says: For here’s what I’m going to do: I’m going to take you out of these countries, gather you from all over, and bring you back to your own land. I’ll pour pure water over you and scrub you clean. I’ll give you a new heart, put a new spirit in you. I’ll remove the stone heart from your body and replace it with a heart that’s God-willed, not self-willed. I’ll put my Spirit in you and make it possible for you to do what I tell you and live by my commands. (Ezekiel 36:25-27 MSG)
When we surrender our will and our life to the care of God we can trust Him to change us from being the self-centered people we are into people who want to follow His commands.
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