Courage To Change (2)

 

When we come into recovery we know that changes need to be made if we hope to truly find abundant life.  Part of our change lies in giving God permission to deal with our character defects.  Having God deal with our defects can be frightening. Sometimes we stay trapped in destructive life patterns because we fear change. It is simply more comfortable for us to remain with what is familiar.  However, if we wait for all our fears to go away before we take steps, we will never make significant progress in recovery. We need to encourage ourselves with the little progress we have made so far and stubbornly stick to God’s principles when courageously taking the next step towards fullness of life.  Courage isn’t the absence of fear. Courage means that we take advantage of the strength we find within ourselves and ask God to be in us the strength we need. 

In the Bible we read of the terrifying experience of the disciples who were caught in the middle of a powerful storm on the Sea of Galilee in the middle of the night.  They felt helpless in the grip of the storm that was overpowering them.  Then they saw Jesus coming to them walking on the water.  Right away Jesus called out to them, “Be brave! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, is it you?” Peter asked. “If it is, tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” Jesus said. So Peter got out of the boat. He walked on the water toward Jesus.  But when Peter saw the wind, he was afraid. He began to sink. He cried out, “Lord! Save me!”  Right away Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “Your faith is so small!” he said. “Why did you doubt me?”  (Matthew 14:27-31 NIRV)

In spite of the storm and the overwhelming feelings of terror that had been gripping Peter and his friends for some hours, at Jesus’ invitation, Peter gathered up enough courage to get out of the boat, take a step and venture into a new experience.  After a few successful steps, he let his fear overtake him again and soon found himself once again in trouble.  He called out to Jesus and found the help he needed.

As we walk the path of change in recovery, we only need summon the courage to take the next step. This doesn’t mean that we won’t be afraid or need help. It doesn’t mean we won’t make mistakes and need to be rescued.  It does mean that with God’s help, we can make it. This is His promise to us!

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.  (Hebrews 4:16 NLT)

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