In the fifth chapter of John, Jesus asked a poignant question: “Do you want to get well?” (5:6).
For too many of us, we sculpt our lives around the pain. We become so comfortable with it that the prospect of doing whatever is necessary to become well is more frightening than the pain itself.
For many of us, our addiction became our most reliable friend. It was always there when we thought we needed it. It made no demands of us. On the other hand, recovery makes all sorts of demands. It comes with conditions many are not ready to meet. We hang onto our fears and pains because that’s all we really know.
Charles Stanley writes, “Our heavenly Father understands our disappointment, suffering, pain, fear, and doubt. He is always there to encourage our hearts and help us understand that he’s sufficient for all of our needs. When I accepted this as an absolute truth in my life, I found that my worrying stopped.”
Recovery Step: Do you want to get well? The degree to which you answer that question will define your willingness to do whatever it takes.
