We spent a long time in addiction trying to have life as we wanted it because we thought that would make us happy and give us what we craved. Now we come into recovery and we find out that the real freedom we seek is found in giving up control and actually not having things our own way, The Serenity Prayer describes it like this, “Taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it, trusting that you will make all things right if I surrender to your will….”
The Bible tells us: Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. (Philippians 4:6, Romans 8:28, James 4:10 NLT)
In 12-step circles we talk often about giving up control and accepting life that is different from how we would have it. We surrender our will and our life to God’s care in Step 3. We give up control of the process of sorting out ourselves by humbly asking God to remove our shortcomings in Step 7. We prioritize God’s view of our day by continuing to take personal inventory and, when we are wrong, promptly admitting it in Step 10. We give up the control of operating in our own will by asking God to make us conscious of His will for us and give us the power to carry it out in Step 11.
When we find ourselves in a “not-as-I-would-have-it” moment, it’s the perfect time to learn from Jesus’ way of life: So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. (1 Peter 5:6-7 NLT)
Today, may we find the peace and serenity God offers us as we “take, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it, trusting that you will make all things right if I surrender to your will…”
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Audio for April 23, 2016 Not As I Would Have It
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