My Different Direction

3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him (Surrender; 3rd step in the 12 step program published by AA).

Some time ago while in New York, I had the opportunity to visit an AA meeting (some of the open ones allow pre-arranged visitors with the understanding that you introduce yourself and why you are there). When I left the meeting I was somewhat changed in my way of thinking. I had already understood alcoholism as a disease. What I didn’t realize was my own cowardice. I knew that I had some unhealthy “attachments” but as a Christian, had I really made the decision to turn my will and my life over to the care of God? I am certainly not comparing my simple mundane weaknesses to alcohol addiction but oddly enough when I heard the stories from newcomers, their journeys all began quite innocently and some sounded rather familiar. How many of us at the age of sixteen have been invited to a party by a friend? I decided that it didn’t really matter where I was or how I had gotten there, what would have to happen before I really committed to making that decision? As it turned out, a lot. Although at the time I hadn’t yet reached where I believe God needed me to be, from that meeting I knew with more certainty, the direction of dependency in which I needed to go; a surrendering that allows me to let go and trust God first.

Psalm 48:13 This God is our God for ever and ever; he shall be our guide for evermore.