Getting Help
Wednesday April 30, 2014
For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me. Be pleased to save me, Lord; come quickly, Lord, to help me. (Psalm 40:12-13 NIV)
When we are seeing to change the direction of our lives we will need help from God and everyone who can enlarge our vision and broaden our perspective. We need to share honestly about our past life and the temptations we continue to experience. The family of believers in Jesus understands where we have been and the temptation that is still pursuing us. We are not unique in this area! However, to continue on our new path we need to pay attention to what is said in the Scriptures and also listen attentively to what others are saying. We need to respond in humility to the honest feedback others are giving us. Foundational to all other counsel, we need to seek the Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth. He will teach us and remind us of those things that we have learned through the Scriptures and which we need to put into effect.
“These things I have spoken to you, while I am still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you”. (John 14:25-26 RSV) The founders of AA and the 12 Steps Program were aware of Biblical principles and based on these, they structured the program to include counselors whom they called sponsors. If one hasn’t done so, it is probably time to prioritize the involvement of wise counsel into one’s life. The following is some helpful information to consider as one prayerfully seeks a sponsor from whom they can seek help.
1. A sponsor may discuss, in detail, troubling issues that are too personal to share, or would take up too much time, in an Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous or other group help meetings.
2. A sponsor is available in times of crisis or potential relapse.
3. A sponsor serves as a sounding board by providing an objective point of view.
4. A sponsor is there to encourage one to work through recovery principles at one’s own speed.
5. A sponsor attempts to model the lifestyle that results from personally working the steps.
What are the Qualities to look for in a Sponsor?
1. Does he/she have a growing relationship with Jesus Christ? Do I see the character of Jesus in the person?
2. Does the person’s walk match their talk?
3. Does the person express the desire to help others on the road to recovery? (Helping others find help versus trying to fix others)
4. Does he/she show compassion, care and hope but not pity? (One does not need someone who is simply going to feel sorry for one.)
5. Is the person a good listener? (Does the person really care about what I have to say?)
6. Is he/she strong enough to confront my denial or procrastination?
7. Can the person share his/her own current struggles with others? (Openness, vulnerability, transparency)
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NIV)
Getting help to change the direction of one’s life is essential to keeping on the road to recovery. Why not give your life over to the care of God as you understand Him at this time? Why not also give another person the opportunity to help you move forward?
©2014 Partners in Hope
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