I hope that wherever you are, you know Recovery is with you right where you are.
What a beautiful weekend we had! The weather was fantastic. The extra day gave us more time to enjoy our favorite activities and spend time with family and friends.
I have a dear friend who is struggling with mental health and trauma. My friend’s spirituality is being tested. When we go through uncertain times in our lives, perhaps the question we can ask ourselves is: What is Recovery forming within us?
First, God gives us faith. We can have peace knowing that God is within us, even when He feels absent. This is a grace we receive in Recovery. Through faith, we can also hope to experience the glory of God.
Second, we embrace the trials of Recovery, knowing that trials can bring perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Hope does not disappoint us because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.
We hope Recovery will happen without requiring too much energy from us. We would rather not be uncomfortable. Sounds human, doesn’t it?
But Recovery gives us the spiritual strength to do our deepest work in places we would rather avoid. Our suffering does not have to be wasted. God can do something beautiful through us, even in the hardest moments.
Endurance is something that lasts longer than we want it to. It is continuing to pray when the answer has not come. It is attending groups when we would rather not. It is trying to change something when progress is slow. It is watching someone we love suffer when we cannot fix it. It is getting up each morning and choosing to live faithfully.
Character is formed through qualities that cannot be developed quickly. For some of us, it takes a long time. Wisdom often comes through our experiences. We can trust that God is present, even when life does not unfold as we expected.
Hope says, “Whatever happens, God will not abandon us.” We do not have to live in disappointment because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Even in our present circumstances, God is with us, producing good things within us and pouring His love into our hearts.
My friend feels distant from God right now. We may all experience this at times in our Recovery. Perhaps the question to ask ourselves is: What is Recovery trying to teach us through our suffering?
When I am struggling, I remind myself that God is with me. I may not understand what is happening, but I have faith that He has my back.
Remember, Recovery is happening right now, in this moment.