Bible reading: Genesis 39:1 – 23
Step 3: We made a decision to turn our lives and our wills over to the care of God.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.” (Romans 12:1)
Principle 3: Consciously choose to commit all of my life and will to Christ care and control.
“Happy are the meek.” (Matthew 5:8)
There are times when life treats us unfairly. We may protest the injustices, fall victim to self-pity, give in to a why even try kind of mentality, or sink into depression. We are invited to leave the injustices we experience in the hands of God.
If there’s anyone in history who can complain about unfair treatment, it’s Joseph. He was one of 12 brothers, the favorite of his father. In their jealousy, the 11 older brothers sold Joseph as a slave into Egypt. Once a slave, Joseph devoted himself to doing a good job for his master and was quickly promoted. He was then propositioned by his master’s wife, and when he refused her, was falsely accused of rape by this vindictive woman. Thrown into prison with no hope of release, he again did his best. He was soon running the administration of the whole prison. In the end, Joseph was freed and promoted to be the Prime Minister of Egypt. In this position he was able to confront and forgive his brothers who had sold him into slavery so many years before (Genesis 37 – 45).
All it takes courage and wisdom to maintain a healthy attitude when life isn’t fair. This comes from trusting that God will take up our cause and vindicate us, as he promised. We can’t change the fact that we live in an imperfect world, where things aren’t as they should be. Turning these matters over to God can help us change our response to the injustices of life and continue to focus on our recovery rather than remaining a victim.
Looking at circumstances brings despair; looking to God brings hope for recovery.
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Wednesday, November 19, 2014
A Unique Stability
Where does Celebrate Recovery get its direction? These
practical people then read Principle 2, and learn that the sole authority in
Celebrate Recovery is a loving God. The elder statesman is the one who sees the
wisdom of the group’s decision, who holds no resentment over his reduced
status, whose judgment, fortified by considerable experience, is sound, and who
is willing to sit quietly on the sidelines patiently awaiting developments.
Into the fabric of recovery from any addictions are woven
the 12 steps and 8 principles. As my recovery progressed, I realized that this
new mantle was tailor-made for me. The elders of the group gently offered
suggestions when change seemed impossible. Everyone’s shared experiences became
the substance for treasured friendships. I know that the fellowship is ready
and equipped to aid each suffering addict at all crossroads in life. In a world
beset by many problems, I find this assurance a unique stability. I cherish the
gift of sobriety. I offer God my gratitude for the strength I receive in a
fellowship that truly exist for the good all members.
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Thursday, November 13, 2014
An Unfair World
Bible reading: Genesis 39:1 – 23
Step 3: We made a decision to turn our lives and our wills
over to the care of God.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to
offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your
spiritual act of worship.” (Romans 12:1)
Principle 3: Consciously choose to commit all of my life and
will to Christ care and control.
“Happy are the meek.” (Matthew 5:8)
There are times in recovery when it seems like we’ve made
it. We reach a place where we feel like we can relax and stop living one day at
a time. Then life surprises us with an unexpected problem.
King David had reached the pinnacle of success. He had
conquered giants, won many battles, captured the hearts of his people, and
overcome enemies on every side. While he was in this comfortable position, life
surprised him with the rebellion led by his own son. Here’s what happened: “a
messenger sent arrived in Jerusalem to tell King David, ‘all Israel has joined
Absalom and conspiracy against you!’ ‘Then we must flee at once or it will be
too late!’ Was David’s instant response to his men. ‘If we get out of the city
before he arrives, both we and the city of Jerusalem will be saved… If the Lord
sees fit,’ David said, ‘he will bring me back to see the Ark and the Tabernacle
again. But if he is through with me, well, let him do what seems best to him’”
(2nd Samuel 15:13 – 14, 26).
King David wisely accepted what was happening and responded
to reality, not to what he wished were true. It seems that David had gotten out
of the habit of relying on God, day by day, but he quickly placed his life back
in God’s hands. God did protect him and returned him to the throne in
Jerusalem. When life hits us with unexpected threats, we, too, can let that be
a reminder to turn our lives back over to God.
When we think we’ve arrived, it’s time to begin again.
No Ordinary Success Story
Celebrate Recovery is no success story in the ordinary sense
of the word. It is a story of suffering transmuted, under grace, into spiritual
progress.
Upon entering Celebrate Recovery, I listen to others talk
about the reality of their addiction: loneliness, terror, and pain. As I
listened further, I soon heard a description of a very different kind – the
reality of sobriety. It is a reality of freedom and happiness, of purpose and
direction, and of serenity and peace with God, ourselves and others. By
attending meetings I am reintroduced to that reality, over and over. I see it
in the eyes a hearing in the voices of those around me. By working the program,
I find the direction and strength with which to make it mine. The joy of
Celebrate Recovery is that this new reality is available to me.
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