Paul wasn’t talking about recovery, but he could have been when he said, “It does not depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy” (Romans 9:16).
Augustine said, “Trust the past to the mercy of God, the present to his love, and the future to his providence.”
You have trusted your own instincts, wisdom, and best efforts for too long. I invite you to join me in saying the 7th Step Prayer today:
“My Creator, I am now willing that you should have all of me, good and bad. I pray now that you remove from me every single defect of character that stands in the way of my usefulness to you and to others. Grant me strength, as I go out from here, to do your will.”
Recovery Step: I pray that prayer every morning before I start my day. It has served me well, as I seek to walk in daily surrender. I encourage you to make that a part of your daily recovery routine as well.
Author: Mark Denison
Mark and Beth Denison, married for 36 years, launched There’s Still Hope as a national movement to call men and women into lives of sexual integrity. Their ministry offers 90-day recovery plans for addicts and one-on-one and group coaching for addicts and their spouses. TSH also produces resources for pastors and churches to confront the porn epidemic that is destroying so many lives.
Dr. Denison was a senior pastor for over 30 years, NBA chaplain, and board chairman at Houston Baptist University three times. With a Master’s Degree in Addiction Recovery, Mark is a certified PSAP and active member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Mark has written four books on recovery: Porn in the Pew, 365 Days to Sexual Integrity, A 90-Day Recovery Guide, and 40 Days to Porn-Free Living. His latest book, Jesus on the 12 Steps, will be released later this year.
