- Progress and Perfection
- Posts
- Unseen Hand
TRUTH
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose
Romans 8:28
REFLECTION
"All things." Right.
What about when you’re neck-deep in the wreckage?
When you’re picking up the pieces again?
When you’re wondering if you’ll ever get out of this mess?
It sure doesn’t feel like all things are working for your good. It feels like the universe has a personal vendetta.
Relapses. Broken promises. The soul-crushing weight of knowing we’ve hurt the people we love.
In those moments, God feels a million miles away. This “good” Paul’s talking about is nowhere in sight.
But here’s the thing I’ve learned, the hard way: I wasn’t seeing the whole picture. I was so focused on the immediate pain, the immediate consequences, that I missed the bigger story. The one where even the crap I went through was somehow…part of something else.
Something bigger than me.
It’s not about sugarcoating the past. It was hell. But looking back, I can see how those dark times shaped me. How they led me to where I am now. How they forced me to finally surrender.
The steps talk about turning your will over to God. That’s step three. It’s about admitting you’re not in control. That you need help.
It’s about trusting that there’s something else at work, even when you can’t see it.
It’s not always obvious. Sometimes, you have to look hard. Sometimes, you have to look back. But that unseen hand? It’s there. Always. Even in the mess.
God, help me trust in your unseen hand, even when I can’t see the next step.
SPONSOR
Reflection and gratitude are invaluable in recovery. Gratitude Plus is a social gratitude journal with an anonymous global feed. Try Gratitude Plus now.
NEXT
When you’re ready, here are some tools for you:
Book List (amazon link)
Some of my favorite reads related to recovery and/or wrestling with faith.4th Step Guide (free download)
A PDF with instructions and worksheets for a thorough 4th step. Straight from the Big Book. Fearlessness not included.12-Step Christianity (YouTube)
My thoughts on the parallels between discipleship and sponsorship.
KEEP LEANING FORWARD
How'd You Like Today's Meditation? |
Reply