The local pastor could tell something was bothering one of his church members. After the morning service he pulled the man aside and asked him, “What’s wrong, Robert?”
Robert: “I need you to pray for my hearing.”
The pastor put his hands on Robert’s ears and prayed for healing. Then he asked, “How’s your hearing now, Robert?”
Robert: “I don’t know. It’s not until Tuesday.”
Clear communication is key to any relationship. Solomon advised, “If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame” (Proverbs 18:13).
When you work your recovery plan, lean heavily on the counsel of those who have gone before you. When they speak, listen – carefully.
Recovery Step: Listen carefully to the words of those with successful recovery.
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.
