Asking Not Telling

Friday February 17, 2023

We came into recovery because we knew life wasn’t 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 change 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 structure for our new life with God in recovery is that we should come humbly before Him and ask Him to provide for our needs. However, some of us are more familiar with getting what we want when we want it. We tell God what we need rather than reverently asking Him to provide for us. 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 has the solution to our problems and knows the order they will 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 attained 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 morning prayers but a continuous invitation to God at points throughout the day to consciously know and welcome His input for each event.

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 help me stay close to You and give me the will and desire to do what honours You in all my ways. Amen

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

Asking Not Telling

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