NOW THAT I AM IN THE PROCESS OF CHANGE, I WILL CHECK MYSELF DAILY TO MAKE SURE I AM NOT SLIPPING BACK INTO MY OLD WAYS AND IF I AM, I WILL TAKE STEPS TO RECTIFY IT.

Recovery is a long race, not a sprint. It takes time and it takes practice. To many people involved in recovery give up because things don’t go as they think they should.

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 “You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes’ race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally. I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.”

 Paul points out in this scripture winning (succeeding) requires hard work and training. Progression in recovery is a daily exercise of handing our wills and lives over to the care of God, evaluating our motives, attitudes, and actions and growing spiritually ‘One Day at a Time’ Recovery requires daily discipline in Bible study, prayer, and meditation.

Paul also recognizes that spiritual growth starts with self. “You can’t share with people what you don’t have and you certainly can’t give it away.’

 James 1:12 says “Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life.”

The process of change for and with God is loving Him, obeying Him and persevering under pressure.