The NIV 365-Day Devotional Reading PlanSample

The Game of Recovery

The game of bridge has unusual terms exclusive to it. A round takes two games (legs) to win. A successful low bid adds a leg on the score sheet, a partial game. If the opponent wins a game before you complete your second leg, a line is drawn on the score sheet, and the partial game is forfeited. That’s called “cutting off your leg.”

Beginning bridge player Glenna often heard the strange expression, “We cut off your leg.” When she kept score and drew the line below a completed game, she saw a part score forfeited.

“Now I get it. It just clicked

.”

Divorce recovery is like bridge. Expressions repeatedly heard in recovery books and classes finally click. “This too shall pass.” “Seek supportive friends.” “Live better, not bitter.”

These and other good expressions, tools of truth, are often repeated. Coping statements help us out of despair into a better life. There has been too much loss and pain — too much to face. The need to quit feeling awful is strong, so we grab tools because life was hard, then it got harder.

Christian living for singles has a similar pattern. Planting simple truths in our minds trains us to become comfortable with who we are. “Give thanks for all things.” “Jesus loves and comforts.” “Fear not, I am with you.”

With a new life of recovery from divorce, Christian living emerges and hope takes root. We go from victim to victorious acceptance.

In the game of life, as in the game of bridge, we need two legs — ours and God’s — to complete the game and win. As we join with Jesus and become one body, we win. Click. No opponent can ever cut off our leg again.

Anita Brock

Taken from Fulfilled