LR - A Haunting Weakness - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information

EyesWideOpen33 · 08-20-2002, 06:39 PM

"The Twelve Step Life Recovery Devotional" (Arterburn/Stoop)

Step One, Day 3

We admitted that we were powerless over our dependencies--that our lives had become unmanageable.

A key to recovery is breaking through our denial and admitting our powerlessness. We may want to pretend that all of our struggles are in the past, especially after we begin to "understand the problem." If we are going to maintain our sobriety, however, we need to continually work the first step, remembering that powerlessness is a part of the human condition.

The apostle Paul expressed some thoughts that probably sound like something we might have written ourselves. He says, "I don't understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I can't. I do what I don't want to--what I hate. I know perfectly well that what I am doing is wrong, and my bad conscience proves that I agree with these laws I am breaking. But I can't help myself, because I'm no longer doing it. It is sin inside me that is stronger than I am that makes me do these evil things. I know I am rotten through and through so far as my old sinful nature is concerned. No matter which way I turn I can't make myself do right. I want to but I can't. When I want to do good, I don't; and when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway. Now if I am doing what I don't want to, it is plain where the trouble is: sin still has me in its evil grasp" (Romans 7:15-20).

The apostle Paul spoke in the present tense about his own condition. And he spoke for all of us. We will never escape the struggle of being human and susceptible to the pull of our lower nature. Admitting this is the first step toward wholeness.

------------------

Powerlessness is part of what it means to be human.

**Ann** · 08-20-2002, 10:14 PM

Eyes, I love this one too.

It is one thing to admit we are powereless, but to really accept that we are is to surrender. And that is our new beginning.

Thank you.

JT · 11-03-2002, 07:18 AM

08-20-2002, 06:39 PM	#1 (permalink)
EyesWideOpen33 Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: California Posts: 65	Step One, Day 3 - A Haunting Weakness "The Twelve Step Life Recovery Devotional" (Arterburn/Stoop) Step One, Day 3 We admitted that we were powerless over our dependencies--that our lives had become unmanageable. A key to recovery is breaking through our denial and admitting our powerlessness. We may want to pretend that all of our struggles are in the past, especially after we begin to "understand the problem." If we are going to maintain our sobriety, however, we need to continually work the first step, remembering that powerlessness is a part of the human condition. The apostle Paul expressed some thoughts that probably sound like something we might have written ourselves. He says, "I don't understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I can't. I do what I don't want to--what I hate. I know perfectly well that what I am doing is wrong, and my bad conscience proves that I agree with these laws I am breaking. But I can't help myself, because I'm no longer doing it. It is sin inside me that is stronger than I am that makes me do these evil things. I know I am rotten through and through so far as my old sinful nature is concerned. No matter which way I turn I can't make myself do right. I want to but I can't. When I want to do good, I don't; and when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway. Now if I am doing what I don't want to, it is plain where the trouble is: sin still has me in its evil grasp" (Romans 7:15-20). The apostle Paul spoke in the present tense about his own condition. And he spoke for all of us. We will never escape the struggle of being human and susceptible to the pull of our lower nature. Admitting this is the first step toward wholeness. ------------------ Powerlessness is part of what it means to be human. __________________ Peace & Prayers, EyesWideOpen Last edited by EyesWideOpen33; 08-23-2002 at 05:01 PM.

08-20-2002, 10:14 PM	#2 (permalink)
Ann Forum Leader Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: By The Lake Posts: 25,179	Eyes, I love this one too. It is one thing to admit we are powereless, but to really accept that we are is to surrender. And that is our new beginning. Thank you. __________________ “Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” ~Winnie the Pooh~

11-03-2002, 07:18 AM	#3 (permalink)
JT Supply Manager Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Cleaverville Posts: 2,903	__________________ The state of your life is nothing more than a reflection of your state of mind~Wayne Dyer

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