We're All in RecoverySample

We’re All In Recovery

Before Jesus Christ transformed my life, I struggled with substance abuse and addiction. Because of that ​​I have a great love for “recovery ministry.” It’s generally composed of a wonderfully powerful group of people who have amazing stories of God’s grace. They are committed to helping others heal from their hurts, habits, and hang-ups.

But I don’t like the name “recovery ministry”! What I struggle with is the spiritual caste system it inadvertently creates. We categorize issues like alcoholism, drug abuse, anger, divorce, sex addiction, and a few others as bad enough to warrant “recovery.” That hurts us all because it separates “us” from “those recovery folks.” But we all have sinned (Rom. 3:23). We are all broken people. No one has arrived. We’re all in recovery!

The broken pieces of your life are not lost on God. And God never condemns us; He patiently re-forms us. God and His children have something in common: a deep passion for getting our lives aligned with our new nature. Whether your destructive patterns are inherited, adopted, or even invented, God sees.

Every challenge you face—God sees. All the goals you’ve set and never reached—God sees. The secret sins you try to manage—God sees. And the substitute gods you snuggle up to in hopes of dulling the pain—God sees it all. But wait for it—He knows, He cares, He loves, and He has a path forward!

So, over the next few days we’re going to look at how we can recover our identities as disciples of Jesus so that we can truly experience the transformation He has promised us through salvation. Behavior patterns can chain us to a life cycle of sin-repent—but the cycle can be broken! Leaning into our “disciple” identity is the way forward.

DISCIPLESHIP IN ACTION

• What challenges are you facing? What sins keep beating you down? Confess them to God. He is ready and waiting to meet you where you are.
• Tell God your desire to live as a disciple of Jesus and ask Him to prepare your heart for the rest of this study.