I hope wherever you are, you know Recovery is with you right where you are.
I am reading a book called The Discernment of Spirits: An Ignatian Guide for Everyday Living by Timothy M. Gallagher, a Catholic priest. He teaches us how to face temptation and stay at peace.
He explains that when the tempter (the enemy) puts obstacles in our path, what happens next depends on how we respond. If we become unsure and weighed down by harmful thoughts, we may begin to drift away from Recovery. Our efforts can then feel too hard to keep going. The tempter wants us to feel discouraged and give up.
So what do we do when these thoughts come? One way to understand this is the “snowball effect.” A small thought can grow quickly, and a snowball can turn into a boulder. It can happen in minutes, hours, or even over many days. The key is to respond early. We try to notice and resist these false thoughts as soon as they begin.
As we grow in Recovery, we get better at this. We learn to be aware, to understand what is happening, and to take action right away.
Think of Steve. He feels doubt, but he does not give up. He keeps going to support groups. He speaks honestly with his therapist. By doing this, he breaks the hold of negative thinking. If he had stood firm at the very first moment of temptation, the snowball might never have grown.
Remember, Recovery is here right now, in this very moment.
Pick up my new book. Your support of my ministry allows me to serve others. Daily Devotional: 12 Steps to Unshakeable Recovery: Winter, L.J.: 9798987012741: Amazon.com: Books
SuperHuman Being
Peace
Larry
email: ljw@superhumanbeing.net
website: https://superhumanbeing.net/