Sponsors: Have One, Use One, Be One

When we enter a recovery program, we are strongly encouraged to quickly find a sponsor and listen to advice from people who have been in the program for a while. It’s not a new concept introduced by Alcoholics Anonymous.  For thousands of years the wisdom of God, as recorded in the Bible, has been reminding us that we need wise counsel if we are to succeed in recovery, and in living life to the full.  

We live in difficult days.  Jesus knows what we need.  His prayer for us today is that we would seek and find wise counsel to help us on our journey to life and peace.  Jesus is always present with us in the person of the Holy Spirit, and He is the wisest counselor that anyone could have.  

God will also bring us together with human counselors and trustworthy people who are walking with Him. Through sharing their stories, these people will inspire us to receive healing for past traumas that hinder our recovery. They will also have worthwhile suggestions on how to cope with the changes we need to make. When we surround ourselves with wise, dependable counselors, we are building a solid foundation for recovery. 

We too can humbly share our experience, strength, and hope in support of another person seeking a new life.  Every moment of sobriety we have in the care of God teaches us lessons that might be of use to someone else.  Part of recovering a life of balance and fulfillment is both giving and receiving.  Who needs our support and counsel?  Who needs a listening ear, an encouraging word, a supportive prayer?  There’s great wisdom in what the founders suggest when they say, “Sponsors: Have one, use one, be one.” 

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, Give me ears to hear what You say.  I lay down my pride and commit to seeking help from You and from wise counsellors. Help me walk in the light of Your presence and follow the path of recovery to new life in You.  I am forever grateful that you care.  Amen

©2022 Partners in Hope