“Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.”
Step 6, Alcoholics Anonymous
“Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases…”
Psalm 103:2-3, NIV
All the steps thus far have been leading up to this moment.
We have, by now, explored the concept of a Power Greater than ourselves – both the group, and above all, God – and we have made an honest evaluation of ourselves. We come to realise that we are not just powerless over our drinking, drug-use or compulsive behaviour – but that we are powerless over all of our negative feelings, thoughts and behaviour.
Our drug use, compulsive behaviour and drinking are often just symptoms, rather than the problem itself.
Up until now we have been treating symptoms, but now it is time to start working on the root causes of our drinking and drugging.
This could include bitterness, rejection, fear, insecurity and unforgiveness – to name just a few.
We realize now, just as the insanity of addiction is starting to lift, that there are other areas, often larger areas in our lives that need some very real change.
And God is the only one who can help us do that.
Step 6 is about realizing that life change is necessary – and more importantly, that it is possible. In the sixth step we become willing to hand over our baggage to God, the only One strong enough to shoulder the burden for us.
This realization drives us towards step 7: “We humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.”
Step 7 is about surrendering all of our hurt, all of our pain, wounds and scars to God – a cry for divine intervention.
Where step 6 is the motivation – the preparation of the heart – step 7 is the beginning of tangible action.
In surrendering our flaws, faults and failures to God, we also ask Him to give us the strength and wisdom to do better.
In making a daily practice out of Step 6 and 7, in combination with step 10 (a daily inventory – which we will cover later), we see a recipe for permanent and lasting change.
In a lot of recovery groups this is called ‘drop the rock’ – because that’s what we are doing. Taking the heaviness of our fears, resentments, unforgiveness, etc – and dropping it at the feet of the Cross.
More often than not, however, we will find that we pick up new rocks, or sometimes even the old ones we dropped before – and this is why it is necessary for these steps to become a daily practice.
The hope is to get to a point where we ‘drop the rock’ almost as soon as we pick it up – and in time to leave it on the ground altogether.
These steps are about progress – not perfection.
And God will help us. But only if we let Him.
Prayer: Lord, help me today to take a step of faith as I surrender all of my hurt, my pain, my torment to You! Have all of me, Lord, the good and the bad – as I surrender all I am to You. Start a work of restoration in me. Guide me Lord along new paths towards a brighter, better future – a future planned by You. Remove from me all my defects of character, my fear, resentment and tendency towards unforgiveness. Take my burdens. Replace it with strength and wisdom so I may grow in my relationship with You and those around me. In Jesus Name. Amen.
If you have chosen to take this leap of faith or have any questions regarding this post, please reach out to me: andre@adlabuschagne.co.za / 0653703806. We would love to journey with you!