Effortless

TRUTH

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬

REFLECTION

Leave it to us to turn a good thing inside out.

As we approach the idea of sobriety and freedom, we are presented with a way out which requires less than we want.

We’d prefer it required effort on our part. We’d prefer a way to take credit. We’d prefer to do it ourselves.

I gave this at least a halfhearted attempt too.

I saw the steps, the meetings, the ragged fellowship. And I figured it’d be quicker, easier and more comfortable to run through the step work on my own, land a couple high fives, and thank y’all very much for the information.

That was an unsuccessful venture; even the high fives somehow became hugs.

I was wholly unable to dig into the fullness of recovery by myself because at its essence is a spirit of self-forgetfulness which is hard enough to get to with help and near impossible without it.

So, with the typical reservations that only the half-dead can summon, I began to reach out instead of in for help.

Did God design my reluctance too? Did he preordain the entirety of my life, my struggles, my rebirth and my path today?

I can’t wrap my head around the precarious mess of predestination, but the mysteries of God invigorate my mind rather than plague it today.

I rest in the assurance that he has prepared a good path for me. And like the best trails, it is often difficult to travel but always worth the hike.

God, thanks for sticking with me.

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
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