Step One I Can’t Do It Alone

We come into recovery because we recognize we are powerless over addictive substances, people, or things that we have become dependent on to sustain life as we know it.  We acknowledge that where we are at is not life-giving, and if we continue on this path it will have the effect of further downward spiral.  Regardless of what we have gained or lost, what we have achieved, or where we have fallen short, we have reached the point where we no longer can cope with life on our own.

We admit defeat and turn to God for mercy and grace.  God assures us that if we get to know and trust Him, He will rescue us and help us do what we cannot do for ourselves.  In fact, Jesus said He came to save people exactly like us, in circumstances just like ours.

We are not suffering solely because we have misused certain substances or developed destructive habits or co-dependent relationships.  We are not suffering because we were created as a second-class human being or because we grew up in a less than perfect environment.  We are suffering because we believed the lie that we could meet our own needs and solve our own problems in our own way.  We are suffering because we believed that masking the unbearable pain inside us with a substance, a habit, or a relationship would give us lasting pleasure and make life worth living.  We are suffering because we did not believe our need to have an ongoing relationship with God above all else. 

God offers us a new way of life that begins by admitting, we cannot do life on our own. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I admit defeat.  I am powerless to live life on my own. Without your guidance, my life truly is unmanageable.  I give up trying to meet my own needs. I give up trying to cover my pain and confusion with substances, destructive habits, and unhealthy relationships. Gracious God, I turn to You and ask You to show me the way forward that will bring peace to my heart. Please strengthen me to follow You in all my affairs. Amen

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