Recently, in our city, they celebrated the achievements of many people in the “Courage to Come Back Awards” ceremony. Those who were being recognized included individuals who had come back from addiction, accidents, and other experiences of hard times. Each one found a way to live successfully.
The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. (Psalm 37:23-24 NLT)
We hear stories of those who go through rehab after accidents have paralyzed their limbs or injured their brains. These people show remarkable endurance as they put in a great deal of hard work to achieve the things they desire. It is amazing to see what a human being can accomplish through consistent disciplined effort. Initially they could hardly move a part of their body but, under careful direction and much encouragement, they developed new abilities through rigorous training. Many of us have experienced trauma in our past that has left us injured and seemingly paralyzed and helpless to live well. However, as we consistently take a personal inventory of our daily lives before God, and promptly adjust to His directions, we will increase our strength and find our hearts and lives rehabilitated beyond our wildest hopes and dreams. Sometimes we will find it hard to believe that we can actually do what God tells us to do. We will experience pain as we develop spiritual muscles that have been dormant, or even greater pain in the growth of new muscles which compensate for permanently injured ones. We will get weary from our challenges. However, as we listen to encouragement from God as well as His directions, we will find the strength to do what is needed today.
Paul wrote to Timothy, “Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever.” (1 Timothy 4:7-8 MSG)
New thoughts and behaviors bring new challenges. As individuals seeking to live with God in recovery on a daily basis, we need to let God’s teaching challenge, stretch, and develop us. Taking personal inventory will enable us do this effectively.
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