RECOVERY PRINCIPLE DEVOTIONAL

FAITH

Read Genesis 22:1-19

We demonstrate faith just by the fact that we are involved in a recovery program.  If we didn’t have faith in the promise of a better future for ourselves and our family, we wouldn’t put ourselves through the hard work and pain involved in recovery.  But as time passes, we may grow discouraged at the length of the process.  We may have our spirits dampened by the ups and downs along the road, feeling our faith ebb more often than flow.  Some people report instant release from their addictions, but for most of us it will take faith and patience to inherit the promise of a new life.

The writer of Hebrews wrote, “You will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance.  For example, there was God’s promise to Abraham….God took an oath in his own name, saying: ‘I will certainly bless you, and I will multiply your descendants beyond number.’  Then Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God had promised” (Hebrews 6:12-15).  The entire story of Abraham’s life can be found in Genesis 11-25.

The key point to consider here is that Abraham waited 25 years to see the promise fulfilled.  As he waited, there were times when he showed impatience.  At one point he took matters into his own hands, having a son by means of a second wife.  At times he probably wondered if he had ever really received the promise at all.  He even laughed in disbelief when he was told the promise was soon to come about.  But in the end he did receive the promise, and at the end of his life “the Lord had blessed him in every way” (Genesis 24:1).  Let’s keep holding on!  The fact that recovery usually takes time doesn’t mean that our faith is in vain.  Turn to page 103, Exodus 20.

 

 

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SERENITY PRAYER DEVOIONAL

 

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference   Amen

There are times when life just treats us unfairly.  We may protest the injustices, fall victim to self-pity, give in to a “poor me” kind of attitude, or sink into depression.  During these times when life is unfair, however, what we really need is serenity.

Read Genesis 37:19-29

If anyone in history could claim to have been treated unfairly, it was Joseph.  He was one of twelve sons, the favorite of his father.  In their jealousy, Joseph’s ten older brothers staged his death to fool their father and sold him into slavery in Egypt.  Once a slave, Joseph devoted himself to serving his master well and was quickly promoted.  He was then propositioned by his master’s wife, and when Joseph refused her, he was falsely accused of rape.  Thrown into prison with no hope of release, he again did his best to serve.  He was soon running the administration of the prison.  Finally, after many long years, Joseph was freed.  He was promoted to the position of prime minister of Egypt.  From this position Joseph was able to eventually confront and forgive his brothers, who had sold him into slavery many years before (
Genesis 37-45).

It takes serenity, courage, and wisdom to maintain a healthy attitude when life isn’t fair.  We can’t change the fact that our world is imperfect, and things are far from the way they should be, but we can choose our attitudes.  We need serenity from God to help us change our responses to the injustices of life.  We need courage to face with optimism the days when we are treated unfairly.  We need wisdom to know whether to fight injustice or to make the best of a bad situation.  Turn to page 267, Joshua 1.

 

 

 

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12-STEP DEVOTIONAL      STEP 1

Dangerous Self-Deception

Bible Reading: Judges 16:1-31

We admitted that we were powerless over our problems-that our lives had become unmanageable.

When we refuse to admit our powerlessness, we are only deceiving ourselves.  The lies we tell ourselves and others are familiar: “I can stop any time I want to.”  “I’m in control; this one won’t hurt anything.”  And all the while, we are inching closer to disaster.

Samson was one of Israel’s judges.  As a child, he had been dedicated to God, and God had gifted him with supernatural strength.  But Samson had a lifelong weakness-the way he related to women.  Samson was especially blinded to the dangers he faced in his relationship with Delilah.  His enemies were paying her to discover the secret of his strength.  Three times she begged Samson to tell her his secret.  Exact time she set him up and tried to hand him over to the enemy.  Three times Samson lied to her and was able to escape.  But each time he got closer to telling her the truth.  Finally, Samson revealed his secret, was taken captive, and died a slave in enemy hands.

Samson’s real problem can be found in the lies he told himself.  By not admitting his powerlessness, he remained blind to the obvious danger that his pride and desire for beautiful foreign women were leading him into.  This caused him to gradually inch his way toward an untimely death.

We need to be careful not to fall into a similar trap.  As we learn to acknowledge our powerlessness over our addictive/compulsive tendencies daily, we will become more aware of behaviors that will likely lead us to destruction.  Turn to page 471, 2 Kings 5.

 

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WORKBOOK QUESTIONS

DANGEROUS SELF-DECIPTION Judges 16:1-31

1.  What is the longest time I have been able to stop addictive behaviors or using addictive substances?
2. What are some of the reasons I use for starting my behaviors or substance abuse again?
3. What are the things I think I can control?  How do I lie to myself, and about what?
4. What is so scary about telling the truth?
5. As I explore powerlessness, what blind spots have I discovered?
6. What are the results of pride in my life?