The founders of Alcoholics Anonymous and the 12 Steps were aware of Biblical principles and based on these, they structured the program of AA to include counselors whom we call sponsors.
A sponsor listens to the person they are mentoring. A good sponsor provides an objective point of view and prayerful understanding about how healing is attained and how life works.
The Bible teaches: Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (James 5:16 NIV)
In early recovery a sponsor is often the first person we seek when we need encouragement in taking new steps that are unfamiliar to us. We have feelings we struggle to understand and are hearing about new ways of doing things that really don't make much sense to us. A sponsor will encourage us to make good decisions regarding recovery and life and challenge us when we appear to be setting ourselves up for relapse.
Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful. The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive. (Proverbs 16:20 NLT)
There's so much to learn about the recovery process and we've only got limited time and energy each day. An essential part of God's care is providing us with wise people who will both model a healthy lifestyle and share principles for healthy living with us. These people help us reshape our thinking and behaving.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for living in me and teaching me Your ways. Help me to pay attention to Your promptings in my spirit as I move forward in my life in recovery. I also need wise human counsel as I sort out my issues and rebuilt my life. Help me to find a Godly sponsor or mentor and pay attention to the wisdom they offer me. Amen
©2018 Partners in Hope
More information on this and other related topics @ http://www.partnersinhope.ca/life-with-god-in-recovery-resources/
Audio for A Good Counselor A Wise Sponsor
Recent Meditations
Giving Hope
Partners in Hope is supported wholly by our friends and community. We are thankful to everyone who partners with us to help bring hope to the discouraged, hurting, and hopeless.