ADDICTION RECOVERY: STEP 2

The second step toward addiction recovery requires the exercise and expansion of faith. If the reader has not examined ADDICTION RECOVERY: STEP 1 please do so at this time without delay before going further into this examination of the second step. In the first step we have admitted the addiction and begun to burrow holes into our wall of pride that we may have the opportunity to recover and heal with renewed sunlight penetrating our souls through those burrowed holes. We have learned the vices of addiction and from what source they come from. We enriched our minds with the doctrines of agency and liberty and learned that they were with us long before we were even born into this world. The first step is always a crucial step and most often the most brutal. Now let's build on it.

What have you done for your recovery? You have put forth the effort to go to your meetings. You have searched and studied about addiction and identified your problem. You have placed your trust in your group leaders and/or counselors that their words and interests will help you in your strivings for true liberation from the damaging habits and the pursuance of happiness. All these actions are, in effect, seeds being planted by your conscious mind. We do not plant seeds without the belief, or hope, that growth will take place. We envision it and long to nurture that seed that the vision might be realized. What, then, is the seed being planted? Is it not faith? It is!

Let us define what faith is. Faith is the driving force of our everyday activities. As I construct these words I do so with faith envisioning the end result. We work having the faith that it will bear a paycheck that will support our lives and lifestyles. A child, saddened, will most often be drawn to a parent having that faith that their needs will be met. What is faith? Faith is the assurance of that which is not seen, but is true nonetheless.

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

It is also the principle of action in all intelligent beings as well as the principle of power in all intelligent beings. True faith in all it's grandeur and majesty must be and can only exist upon the focus of Jesus Christ. Through Him, and acting through the power and authority of the Father, the universe took it's shape and serves it's purpose.

Hebrews 11:3

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

It is with faith that through the power and authority of the Eternal Father all creation occurred as was envisioned. Without faith all creation would have been void and could not exist. Without that hope and that outlook of the end result of Father's work of creation nothing could have been or ever would be. For there would be no reason, no outlook, no vision and no purpose. Faith is the avenue through which all progress is made. This is illustrated in the following passage:

Matthew 17:19-20

Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?

And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

Through these verses we can see the absolute necessity of nurturing and fostering faith within us. Your own folly got you into the addiction in which you live. Obviously the will and power of man is nothing compared to what you need in order to conquer the addiction. Convince yourself and trust in the existence of a Higher Power. Trust in the healing power of that Source. Know and believe that you have the power to reach out and meet Him half way. He, will then take your hand and carry you. This, however, can only be done in faith and faith is active.

Even as the seed needs to be nurtured and kept healthy so it is with faith. We must continue to attend our meetings and exercise our trust in those leading us. We must continue to serve and focus on the needs of others. Through that exercise of faith we will realize that our own needs are being met by the Source. Through that exercise of faith does that cankering wall of pride further become rubble and dust. A “perceived” faith cannot be expected to dwell in the presence of the Father if it hasn't had that constant workout and expansion. It is folly and good for nothing just like the unattended seed that became overcome with weeds. Through the principle of action and also the principle of power, that being faith, you will find that liberation from the chains of addiction.

Continue your assignment to keep a written journal of your thoughts and desires. They will become a component of your lifeline in times of distress. In addition, make it a faithful point to start praying regularly and reading the holy scriptures. Will you not only be enlightened but it will also serve to further discipline your mind and focus it on more important things rather than be left to the whims of temptation.

Focus a little more on your journal entries. Dig into the depths of your soul and describe why you, personally, need a Savior. Describe why you need deliverance from those habits which you have lost your agency to. The more your words are from the heart the more you will hold that journal dear and you will be more apt to continue in it's contribution.

Keep on the program and remember that all good things come through work and diligence to the cause. You are doing great, He has faith in you!

I promise you, in the name of the Father, that if you cultivate and grow your faith the day will come when you will be able to face the true essence of temptation and declare to it, “REMOVE”! And it shall be moved.....