As I write, I am watching hummingbirds darting in and out of a flowering bush nearby. It is amazing to see their little wings go so very fast. I am really grateful for some time to be out and about.

Continuing on with our step forward theme, let us consider step 2. The big book states it simply “Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.”

But what does this mean? Do I have to shave my head and give all my money to the poor? No, not unless you feel like that is what God is calling you to do. For most of us, that would be a no. Does it mean that I have to completely rethink my idea about who is in control of my life? Yeah, that is closer to where we’re headed.

Unpacking step 2 is a tall order. It requires us to take big breath and accept the fact that our best thinking had gotten us into the state we’re in. That it could take us no further and that we need a Power greater than ourselves. Some people start out the journey not even putting a name to this greater or higher power. It just is, and that’s enough for today. This is actually the tiniest mustard seed of faith that God talks about in the Word in Matthew 17:20. this is faith that moves mountains. So don’t belittle your brother or sister who is just starting out here. Everyone starts somewhere.

For those of us that have already accepted that Jesus is it, He is our Lord and we’re good, but are still struggling and suffering in the bondage of addiction, this actually takes on a different texture. Maybe we are angry because God didn’t just deliver us “bam” from our obsessions. Or, perhaps like me, you have found believing “if only I would (fill in the good christian duty here) more then my struggle with my dysfunctional behavior would go away. ” And “If only the sin-filled people in my life would straighten up and get their act together, I wouldn’t be acting out.”  Did you see how many times I used “if only“? This tries to lay blame external to the actual location, that is, within me.

You see, when a Christ-follower gets weighed down in bondage to an addiction or dysfunction that is severely hampering their effectiveness, the guilt and shame is immense and can keep us from the one and only solution for this heavy burden. And that is to admit that we cannot fix it.

God can, I can’t, I think I’ll let Him.

Let me state this again another way. No amount of fake spirituality will break the chains of addiction. No amount of blame and shame, will deliver someone trapped in dysfunction or addiction. Period. This is something many of our churches have historically struggled with, in some cases driving broken people out, but some are starting to get the picture. God’s Word is clear. “Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.” Galatians 6:1.

In step 1 we admitted and submitted. In step 2, we are believing in the process. We are preparing our hearts to become willing. These first steps are preparing the soil, tilling the ground of our hearts to be ready for the changes that will have to occur for the recovery process to be life-changing and, what’s more, life long.

I am a lifer in this process. It took almost 50+ years to get the knots in my rope, it sure isn’t going to be a quick couple years to undo it. And then there’s the 12th step.  But that’s another post.

Much love, keep at it!