Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. – Hebrews 12:1
I can remember being at a point when I knew my life was spinning out of control. I knew there were a lot of things I needed to change. But I didn’t want to alter my current lifestyle too much. So I looked for ways to get some help without having to make drastic changes. I attended some secular meeting, for example, but didn’t really commit to their programs. Then when nothing happened, I would say, “Why isn’t this working? Maybe God doesn’t love me. Maybe I don’t deserve to change.”
The truth is, I didn’t need one more thing to cram into my messed-up life. What I needed was something to replace my messed-up life. I needed to let fo of my old life and hand it over to God. I finally did that and now, twenty years later, I can’t imagine why it took me so long to do something so right and true and amazing.
A race begins with a single step, and so does recovery. The only way to run with perseverance is to hang on to God’s hand and let him take the lead. True change comes only when we die to ourselves and allow Christ to set the pace.
– John Baker, Celebrate Recovery 365-Day Devotional
Dear Lord, Thank you for taking control of my mess when I couldn’t see my way out. Thank you for leading me, one step at time, to a better place. Thank you for the confidence to run my race. You are responsible for everything I am and ever hope to be. Amen.
You are not alone. Others have made it through hard times, and so will you. If you’ve found a way to accept and even enjoy yourself, will you tell us about it? It’s in our struggles that we really come to know God and know ourselves.
Your story can bring hope to someone today.
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Hope Shack 
I remember the clarity of that moment when I looked around the room and saw a scene that was out of control. It wasn’t any place I ever thought I would be, yet there I was. I remember so clearly whispering the words, “This isn’t who I am.” What happened next is kind of a blur, but I know it was one step. Then another. Now, some 20 years later, I can look back and see the path I traveled. It really was one step at a time. I stepped through hurt, stepped through betrayal, stepped through anger, stepped through shame. Each step it’s own effort, made with strength lent from Jesus, my rescuer. Each step made one at a time. – Christina
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