1. We admitted we were powerless over our addictions and compulsive behaviors, that our lives had become unmanageable.
“I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” (Romans 7:18)
The first step of recovery includes the following:
- admitting that you have problems or issues
- realizing that you are NOT God
- realizing that you cannot change yourself
This requires humility. We must lay down our pride and say “I have issues, I’m not God, and I can’t change myself”.
The first of these, realizing that I have issues, can be fairly easy for those of us who have struggled with addictions or compulsive behaviors. We know that the drug, alcohol, or porn addiction is destroying our lives. However, this can be quite difficult for those who do not have obvious issues like these. Their issues may be more subtle, such as pride, co-dependency, unforgiveness, or anger. These issues are just as destructive as the aforementioned issues, only harder to recognize for many folks. It may take a revelation from God before their eyes are finally opened to their problems.
The second one, trying to play God or be like God, is one of the original sins. Satan (and 1/3 of heaven’s angels) got the boot because he wanted to be God. Adam and Eve also got the boot (from the garden) because they wanted to be like God. We are still falling into this trap today. We try to control our circumstances, our future, our image, and just about every other area of our lives. However, in order for us to work this first step of recovery, we must humble overselves and let God be God and take our rightful places as the created and NOT the Creator. We must step down off the throne of our lives and let God take the throne.
The third one goes hand-in-hand with the second one. Romans 7:18 says that I cannot accomplish the good that I desire to do. So, if I desire to make a change in myself for the better, I cannot carry out this change on my own. Only God can bring about “true” change in our lives. Many of us have tried to change ourselves time and time again and have failed miserably.
Are you ready to admit your issues? What issues are you ready to admit? Are you ready to admit them to yourself, to God, and to another trusted human being? If so, then I would encourage you to do so.
gary lee millner.com 
Very good and encouraging post,we truly have to let go and let God fix us we cannot change ourselves and thank God fo Jesus Christ who lives in us and brings about the needed changes.Slowly but truly our changes do come praise God.
😀 😀
Gary, ageed.
I remember the day I laid down my weapons and stopped trying to accomplish my own recovery.
This did not mean I did not have to do my part. I just had to give up on forming and executing the master plan for my recovery.
My recovery cannot happen without my participation. But all attempts in past for me to participate resulted in me taking over the whole plan.
Today, I do my best to be standing by awaiting orders. Some days, I feel led to fulfill a lot. Others not so much. But if obedience is truly better than sacrifice, then the best I can do is pour myself into what is asked of me daily. No more, no less.
God doesnt need help with the master plan. He just needs me as a foot soldier, albiet the most important foot soldier in this particular battle, but a foot soldier who when he receives an order, fulfills it with promptness, thoroughness, and enthusiasm.
Sober for years now, and saner than I have ever been, I find this works for me.
Ciao.
Chaz