Confronted By Hope

When we first come into a recovery meeting and someone is asked to share their experience, strength, and hope with the group, we are often cynical in our thoughts about what the person is saying.  We are just at the beginning of recovery and are unsure if we will be able to abstain from our dependency for one day never mind living the experience of sobriety and looking forward with hope to the future. 

It is good to be willing to listen and assess what another person has found to be reality in their lives.  We have heard the good news about the gospel of repentance and new life and are hoping against hope that God will enable us to change and be the person we long to be.  If we have earnestly prayed for deliverance from our unmanageable lifestyle we can be assured that God has heard and, through Jesus, has already answered our prayer.  The hope we have lies in God’s faithfulness to His word. 

Each day God will strengthen us to do what He is calling us to do.  Our part is to learn what the Scriptures say and then conform our ways to God’s ways.  

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.  (1 Peter 3:15 NIV)

Prayer:  Gracious God, I ask You to be my rock, and my fortress, my strength, and my deliverer.  I need Your help every hour to strengthen my belief that a Power greater than myself will restore me to sanity.  Amen