Step Seven Asking Not Telling

Tuesday May 17, 2022

We came into recovery because life as we knew it was not working. Our lives were unmanageable, and we were powerless to change them. At many points we were aware of our character defects and the impact of our behaviour on ourselves, our loved ones, and even strangers. We wanted to change our ways but were not always willing to humbly ask God to make those changes in us.

So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. (Luke 11:9, John 16:24 NIV)

The construct for our new life with God in recovery is that we should come before Him and humbly speak to Him about our needs. Some of us, however, are more interested in our demands rather than asking God, in His wisdom, to meet our needs. We then wonder why we feel pressure and have little joy in our recovery. God promises that if we ask, we will receive, and our joy will be complete.

God knows the solution to each of our problems and the order that must follow for healing to come. That’s why He tells us our first “ask” must be for forgiveness of sin and for the Holy Spirit to come and live in our hearts. A willingness to surrender to God’s will at every point, in every circumstance, can only be expressed if we have first asked for the knowledge of God’s will and the power to carry it out. It’s not a one-time “ask” in our prayers in the morning, but a continuing conscious invitation to God at points throughout the day, every day, to know and welcome His participation in each event that is taking place.

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. (Philippians 2:13 NLT)

Prayer: Loving God, forgive me for trying to fix my own life, for trying to tell you what to do, and for blaming you when things didn’t work out. Today I come and humbly ask You, by the power of Your Holy Spirit who lives in me, to show me Your will for my life, your view of my character defects, and Your plan for removing them from my thoughts and interactions with others. Please give me the power to do what honours you. Amen

More information on this and other related topics @ http://www.partnersinhope.ca/life-with-god-in-recovery-resources/

Step Seven Asking Not Telling

Audio for Step Seven Asking Not Telling

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