Step one of my recovery journey began with admitting I have a problem with co-dependency and controlling others. I admitted I am powerless over my addictions, brokenness and sinful patterns—that in my own power my life is unmanageable. Taking the first step toward healing my brokenness was not easy. I still have days where Satan attempts to remind me of my past. Instead of giving in to the devil’s schemes, I remind Satan of who my God is.
My past is in the past. I've made poor choices, but it is time for me to take the step of faith and depend entirely upon God for healing. The great Healer can do all things. It is only through his grace I am able to continue to place one foot in front of the other and walk toward His shining light.
This is what Paul wanted to convey to the Christians in Rome. He reminded them of the importance of the Gospel and to continue in the walk of faith in Jesus Christ as their savior. Although the majority of the Christians of Rome were enslaved at the time the letter was written, he urged them to hold strong to their faith and believe they had been set free by the precious blood of Jesus.
Although I don’t understand how it feels to be a true slave, I have often felt enslaved by my feelings of shame, self-blame and regret. Just as Paul wrote to the Christians of Rome in Romans 7:18:
“For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.”
Apart from God's grace, I do not have the ability to be good, but through the blood of Jesus I am made good. I must rely on my faith in Jesus Christ to get me through this life on earth so I can rejoice one day with Him in heaven.
Think About It:
What does Satan attempt to remind you of?
Have you taken the first step toward a life of healing?
Download the January Reading Plan (subscriber password required) and Read James 5:14 , Psalm 107:19-20.
Are you ready to lean into God for your healing?
Journal About it:
Follow along in the My Journey Journal (subscriber password required) and write about how the questions and scriptures today resonated with you. As you write, thank Him for His eternal love.
Pray About it:
As you think and write, say this prayer with me.
Father God,
Thank you for reminding me that my strength comes from you and from you alone. You are my father and my protector, I praise you for your unfailing love, grace, and mercy. I know my flesh is not good, but I know through the blood of Jesus, I am perfected. My sins are washed away. Praise you!
In Jesus’ Precious Name,
Amen
Talk About it:
This is my story, what’s yours? I would love to hear from you! I enjoy connecting and keeping in touch. Do you feel as though you don’t have anyone you can share with confidentially? Your anonymity is protected. Do you feel you are the only one struggling with the aftereffects of growing up with an alcoholic parent? Sweet sister, YOU are not alone! It’s time to break free from the shackles of your controlling habits, trust issues, co-dependency, guilt, self-blame, hurts, regrets, and heartaches!
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