Descend From Grace

TRUTH

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭4‬-‭5‬

REFLECTION

Consent to flee comes later than we’d like, and afterward we see myriad opportunities in the rear view that we laughed away.

At each turn, I ran and ran away. As each season passed, I became surer of myself. As each standard fell, I became more hardened.

I lived in a syncopated half-truth, both knowing of God and the great reality and also understanding so little of the personal nature of what has been offered to me and to all who decide to seek it.

I bounced between the ideals of my upbringing and the desires for pleasure that I couldn’t even fully embrace.

My fear for my own skin held me back from complete abandon (and maybe saved my life) while my rebel heart forced me to march forward and down and without any great plan.

Whatever the vice, whatever the sin, whatever the plight or circumstance or past, it turns out God is no less present than wherever we started our missteps.

Despite, or perhaps because of, the journey away from Him, when we risk a glance back to see if help is nearby, He can be found right there.

That’s the good news.

The bad news is that if you hike 10 miles into the woods, you’re going to have to hike 10 miles to get your butt back out.

It would be foolish to expect an overnight transformative experience to cure us of all ill-will and self-centered desires, not to mention the very real physical malady we may have gotten ourselves in to.

But just as we have arrived here after a long road down, we can begin the trek homeward with a loving companion, a plan of action and an open heart.

God, thank you that the true adventure doesn’t have to be taken alone.

SPONSOR

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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.