There are seven major areas in which I have seen individuals get “stuck” at some point in their recoveries. It is important that you are familiar with each of them so you help them get “unstuck.”
- You have not completely worked the previous principle
Perhaps you are trying to move through the principles too quickly. Slow down! Give God time to work! Remember, this program is a process.
“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25)
2. You have not completely surrendered your life and your will to the Lord
Perhaps you are trusting Jesus with the “big” things, but you still think you can handle the “small” things.
“For good judgment and common sense, trust in the Lord completely; don’t ever trust in yourself. In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, TLB)
3. You have not accepted Jesus’ work on the cross for your forgiveness
You may have forgiven others, but you think your sin is too big to be forgiven.
“But if we confess our sins to him, he can be depended on to forgive us…from every wrong.” (1 John 1:9, TLB)
“So overflowing is his kindness towards us that he took away all our sins through the blood of his Son, by whom we are saved.” (Ephesians 1:7, TLB)
Have you forgiven yourself?
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
4. You really have not forgiven others who have harmed you
You must “let go of the pain of past harm and abuse. Until you are able to release it, forgive it, it will continue to hold you as its prisoner.
“After you have suffered a little while, our God, who is full of kindness through Christ, will give you his eternal glory. He personally will pick you up, and set firmly in place and make you stronger than ever.” (1 Peter 5:10-11, TLB)
5. You are afraid of the risk in making the necessary change
You may be paralyzed by the fear of failure or rejection.
“Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed… I will strengthen you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10, TLB)
“That is why we can say without any doubt or fear, “The Lord is my Helper and I am not afraid of anything that mere man can do to me.” (Hebrews 13:6, TLB)
6. You are not willing to “own” your responsibility
You need to take responsibility for your past in a broken relationship.
“Examine me, O God, and know my mind; test me, and discover…if there is any evil in me and guide me in the everlasting way.” (Psalm 139:23, GNB)
7. You have not developed an effective support team
Do you have a sponsor or an accountability partner? Do you have the phone numbers of others in you small group? Have you volunteered for a commitment to your recovery ministry?
“Be with wise men and become wise. Be with evil men and become evil.” (Proverbs 13:20, TLB)
“Dear brothers, you have been given freedom: not freedom to do wrong, but freedom to love and serve each another.” (Galatians 5:13, TLB)
“Share each other’s troubles and problems, and so obey our Lord’s command.” (Galatians 6:2, TLB)