“We became aware that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity” (Step 2, AA).
Let’s break down the all-important second step of recovery.
1. Awareness: Until we become aware of our situation and the ability of God to heal, we do not get well.
2. Power: Recovery requires more than personal resolve. Me must tap into a certain power in order to stay sober.
3. Greater than ourselves: If your higher power is anything less than God in Jesus Christ, you need to upgrade your higher power.
4. Could: God’s ability to restore you is dependent on your willingness to let him. God can restore you, but only if you surrender to him completely.
5. Sanity: Until you experience the restoration of God, you will live in a fog. Nothing will ever make sense.
Recovery Step: Only God can “destroy the one who has the power of death” (Hebrews 2:14).
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.
