NACR Daily Meditation for Monday, Feb 24, 2003

24 Feb 2003 08:00:01 -0000

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NACR Daily Meditation for Monday, Feb 24, 2003

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One who was there had been an invalid for thirty eight years. When Jesus
saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition a long
time he asked him, "Do you want to get well?"

John 5:5-6

Do you want to get well?! What a shocking question. Isn't the answer obvious?
Why even ask? 

One of the most confusing parts of the recovery process is the fact that
we have many layers of resistance to recovery. As we begin to see the changes
which recovery will demand, we begin to see how attached we have become
to our existing way of life. Sometimes we play games to hold on to the past. We have
a good friend who prayed early in recovery that God would deliver her from
alcoholism so that she could continue to drink! We are all like this - we
want healing but we fear the changes which healing will bring. 

Sometimes the fear of recovery comes from the fact that we can't imagine
any way of being in the world other than what we have known. A life consumed
with despair, rage and self-loathing may seem pretty awful, but its the
only life we may have known. Any change may seem risky and uncertain.

God is not ignorant of our resistance to healing. God asks the difficult
question: "Do you want to get well?" It's not always as obvious
as it seems. The 12-Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous addresses this issue when
it talks about being "entirely ready" for God to change us. The
process of becoming "entirely ready" is at the heart of the struggle
of recovery. Our hearts and minds are being prepared to answer 'yes' to
God's offer of wholeness.

My answer to your question, Lord, is yes.
I am ambivalent at times.
I am uncertain and afraid at times.
But, I do want to get well.
The answer is yes.
Amen.

Copyright 1991 Dale and Juanita Ryan 

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ROOTED IN GOD'S LOVE (the book from which these meditations are taken, is back in print! To order call our office at 714-529-6227 ext 111 or order online at

http://www.nacronline.com/dox/store/dox/nacrbooks.htm

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Meditations from previous days can be viewed at:  

http://two.pairlist.net/pipermail/nacrmed/

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Plan now to join us at STEPS 2003, a national conference for Christians in recovery jointly sponsored by the NACR and Overcomers Outreach. It will be held June 26-28, 2003 in Southern California. Plenary speakers are Steve Arterburn, David Stoop, Rich Buhler, Sandra Wilson, Mark Laaser and Ann Kiemel Anderson. Over 45 workshops. Support groups. Specialized gatherings. And lots of fellowship and support for your recovery. Details as they become available and online registration will be at:

 http://www.nacronline.com/dox/steps2003.htm

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