Powerless.
Step one of Alcoholics Anonymous says “We admitted we were powerless over
alcohol – that our lives had become unmanageable”. Step one is not just for
alcoholics. You can fill in the blank with just about anything. Step one is for
everyone.
The more I examine my life I realize my own powerlessness. This used to
terrify me. Who wants to admit they are powerless
and their life is unmanageable? Now my powerlessness is my saving grace. I
realize more and more that I am not just powerless over alcohol. I am powerless
over people, circumstances, well just about all of my life.
Life is wonderful when you realize your own powerlessness. It’s only
when you recognize your need that change takes place. I couldn’t quit drinking
until I saw I couldn’t solve this problem on my own. I couldn’t see God all
around me until I realized my life was unmanageable.
I think a lot of us in the church forget this. We forget our need. We
must remember our need. We are messed up sinful people. It’s not just those
outside of the church that need Grace. We need it. Desperately need it. More
than we realize. Newsflash regular church attendee you’re a mess. A beautiful
mess, but a mess none the less.
That’s why I love going to AA. As I listen to the women who have been
through hell and survived. I am reminded of God’s grace. As I see people who crawl
into the meeting inches away from death celebrate years sober. I have hope. As I remember where I was when I first entered those rooms and where I am now. I see grace. The
church could really learn a lot from AA.
So church people I encourage you
to embrace your powerlessness.You may not be an addict or alcoholic, but there
is something in your life that is killing you. The truth is you’re not in
control. Your life is unmanageable and you’re powerless. The key isn’t trying
to be strong and find away to push through. The key is leaning into your
weakness. That’s the beauty in Surrender. When you realize you’re powerless you
reach out. When you finally hit rock bottom you will see that the power you
need is found in Christ.
That’s why I am grateful I am alcoholic. Being an alcoholic is what
brought me to Christ. Being alcoholic is what reminds me of my need for Christ.
Without my weakness, I would not have seen my need for Christ. Brokenness leads
to Grace and we all need Grace.
As I prepare for the upcoming year my prayer is that I would focus on 2
Corinthians 12:9-10 “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness“.
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power
of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with
weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
This is my prayer for you as well. My hope is that you will find Christ
in your weakness. For when you are weak only then are you strong.
