One of the most difficult lessons for me to learn in recovery was that nothing I had ever done caught God off guard. Nor did my addictive behaviors stunt God’s ability to bless me and use me going forward. I had to learn that nothing can really disqualify a person who was never qualified in the first place. While the way God would use me would change, the measure in which he would use me would not.
Job acknowledged the expanse of God’s sovereignty: “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted” (Job 42:2).
God will forgive everything you have ever done. Everything. That’s not the issue. The question is what you will do going forward. Let me offer a few suggestions:
- Pray daily affirmations.
- Hang out with positive people.
- Claim God’s magnificent promises.
- Sing a new song.
- Read a new book.
- Help someone else.
Ask God for a positive outlook. Remind yourself daily of his blessings and claim his forgiveness and grace. Face forward, not back. Look up, not down. Your mountain awaits, so get going!
Recovery Step: Walk in faith, claim God’s promises, and rejoice in his plans for you.
