June arrived, and with it came a sense of uncertainty as I struggled to see the potential for new challenges and opportunities or even approach existing ones with a fresh perspective. However, as the months went by, I realized a specific area that ignited my passion.
Since 2020, my passion for recovery has grown from a flicker to a roaring blaze. The time I’ve spent with people in recovery has been transformative for me. The majority of individuals in recovery have gone through the challenging process of working the 12-step program. The steps require immense effort, which is why most people choose not to undertake them. People often reach a roadblock at the fourth step because it requires them to confront their own character flaws and acknowledge their sinful nature. It’s not for the faint of heart. Those in recovery are not only my heroes, but they have also had a profound impact on my life.
After much effort and perseverance, I have finally reached the fourth step this year, a milestone I have been working towards. The difficulty of it all is outweighed by the feeling of liberation it brings. Actually, I’m still in the process of working through it. The impact it has had on me and my self-awareness is immense, fueling a profound dedication to recovery, both for addicts and for those seeking to follow Jesus’s path.
For every believer in Jesus Christ, recovery is a crucial part of their spiritual growth. We are sinners, constantly striving to free ourselves from the clutches of sin and the temptations of our fleshly desires. The recovery battle, mentioned in Galatians chapter five and Romans chapter eight, is a recurring theme throughout the New Testament, reminding us it continues until we are united with Jesus.
Recently, important individuals in my life have expressed their belief that I am meant to work in recovery, but in a more prominent capacity. As I continue to witness these verbal signs, my vision of the church as a compassionate hospital, where people find solace and restoration, becomes more defined.
In front of me stands a church, its doors open wide, welcoming those seeking healing and salvation from the clutches of sin, as the gospel breathes new life into their souls. An image takes shape in my mind—a church standing resolutely on dry ground, its mission clear as it reaches out to rescue those submerged in darkness, leading them towards Jesus. In this church, the focus is on recovery, and those who have been saved from the sea of sinfulness are dedicated to pulling others out of the place they once were.
People from all walks of life are represented here. Within the church community, there are families who have devoted themselves to the ministry, yet their own unresolved wounds have unintentionally caused additional harm to their loved ones. For some, Jesus is their source of love and inspiration, while the church fails to resonate with them. They need to understand that the church serves as a hospital, providing a space for healing despite being the very site where wounds were inflicted.
In a culture filled with confusion, there are people who find themselves drowning, desperately seeking help from the church. Unfortunately, the church’s energy is directed towards culture wars rather than aiding those who are enslaved by societal pressures. The church is not successful in attracting sinners like Jesus because our perception of them as enemies prevents us from reaching out to them as captives of the enemy.
I can go on and on, but I’m starting to catch a glimpse of the vivid image of recovery that the Lord has planted deep within my heart. Interestingly, a prophetic word spoken to me back in February 2015 is slowly materializing, motivating me to embark on a comprehensive revival in my quest for recovery.
