Not a Destination

TRUTH

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭8

REFLECTION

Despite the protestations of our self-assured ego and the hopeful illusions of those loved ones we continue to hurt, sobriety is not a destination.

It’s not a stop that we’ll visit a while and move on from, either.

In the heat of the early days of the newly sober, loved ones dare to breathe and look around for something to grasp on to.

There are many helpful things there: meetings, sponsors, books, routines, steps, fellowships, coffee shops, etc.

These are great.

They begin the process of transformation that must take place if we are to survive the inevitable trials ahead and shortcomings within.

A bit of time passes, and everyone realizes the unfortunate truth: once you sober up a horse thief, what’s left is a sober horse thief.

The enemy prowls, yes.

But we let him in by our inaction.

Real change will take a work of God, not a firm resolution from us, no matter how deeply we feel it or how many people are praying for us.

So, often as a last resort, we pray for this. We pray for God to work in and through us. We pray for the willingness we thought we had. We pray for the change we aren’t sure we can handle. We pray for the courage to step forward, no matter how uncomfortable we are.

God, give me the power to surrender.

SPONSOR

Reflection and gratitude are invaluable in recovery. Gratitude Plus is a social gratitude journal with an anonymous global feed. Try Gratitude Plus now.

NEXT

When you’re ready, here are some tools for you:

1. Book List (amazon link)
   Some of my favorite reads related to recovery and/or wrestling with faith.

2. 4th Step Guide (free download)
   A PDF with instructions and worksheets for a thorough 4th step. Straight from the Big Book. Fearlessness not included.

3. 12-Step Christianity (YouTube)
   My thoughts on the parallels between discipleship and sponsorship.

KEEP LEANING FORWARD

Cheers, Eamonn
Contact on LinkedIn, YouTube & Twitter.