Geared

TRUTH

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!

Psalm‬ ‭37‬:‭7

REFLECTION

Everything in me wants to move faster, go harder, do more.

I’m not sure when this started, but I’ve noticed it as an increasingly powerful force for many years now.

I suspect it’s been in the background of my life building strength for much, much longer.

And I believe there’s a place for it, sure. There are times when strength will matter, when persistence is perseverance, when grit is necessary, and when I must stand up, lean in and work my butt off.

That’s not a stance that works well when it comes to spiritual matters, though.

Time and again I am called to be still, to pause, to dwell, to wait, to be slow to anger, to shed the weights of the worries of this world. Real heady things like that.

Recovery is full of seeming contradictions too.

I’m told let go and let God. Then I’m told that faith without works is dead.

I’m told to surrender to win. Then I’m told if nothing changes, nothing changes.

It’s both, but in the right order.

I have to orient myself so that God is first in order to survive the trials, temptations and blows of life.

This has required a dying to self that I’ve still not become comfortable with.

It’s required me to continue to learn anew how to surrender and then get busy living.

It’s required constant realignment through scripture, fellowship and prayer.

It’s required a lot of freaking work.

I still think it’s worth it.

God, help me shift gears at the right times.

SPONSOR

Progress & Perfection is written on Notion, the happier workspace. I’ve been using Notion to organize these daily writings since December 2023. Try Notion now.

NEXT

When you’re ready, here are some tools for you:

1. Book List (amazon link)
   Some of my favorite reads related to recovery and/or wrestling with faith.

2. 4th Step Guide (free download)
   A PDF with instructions and worksheets for a thorough 4th step. Straight from the Big Book. Fearlessness not included.

3. 12-Step Christianity (YouTube)
   My thoughts on the parallels between discipleship and sponsorship.

KEEP LEANING FORWARD

Cheers, Eamonn
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