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“Lifting Burdens: The Atonement of Jesus Christ,”

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Step 3 - Trust in God

Revelation 3:20 "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."

The program of addiction recovery and healing is spiritual, but it is also a program of action. If you follow the steps and principles in the manual, Addiction Recovery Program: a Guide to Addiction Recovery and Healing, you will find yourself being restored to spiritual health through a newfound relationship with the Lord. In addition, a change of heart will come through daily reading of the scriptures, particularly the Book of Mormon, scriptures from which are frequently quoted in the manual.

Those that have successfully recovered from addiction testify that recovery was more the result of the Lord’s efforts than their own. The Lord will work the miracle, but we must invite him into our lives. The Lord will never take away our free agency, but we must make the decision to allow God to heal and recover us. In other words, changing our lives and overcoming addiction must be our choice, and not the choice of our parents, our spouses, our family or friends.

The key principle of Step 3, Trust in God, is “Decide to turn your will and your life over to the care of God the Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.” This action step is summarized in the Book of Mormon.

“…and a mighty change was also wrought in their hearts, and they humbled themselves and put their trust in the true and living God.” Alma 5:13

In the third chapter of Helaman, the Book of Mormon describes a people who were strengthened through humility and by yielding their hearts to God.

“Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God.” Helaman 3:35 – italics added.

It is my testimony that fasting and praying will strengthen our ability to yield our hearts to God and abstain from addiction. In the moment of temptation, prayer will strengthen our humility and faith in Christ. We must be willing to yield our hearts to God instead of yielding to addiction in the moment of temptation.

To humble ourselves is a decision that we must make. Satan will try to get addicts to believe that although God has helped others, He will not help them because they are helpless and hopeless. Recognize that this is a lie, and always remember that you are a child of God.

“He did deliver them because they did humble themselves before him; and because they cried mightily unto him he did deliver them out of bondage; and thus doth the Lord work with his power in all cases among the children of men, extending the arm of mercy towards them that put their trust in him.” Mosiah 29:20

Step 3 is a choice. I testify that recovery from addiction happens by God’s power, but only after you choose to seek his help.

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Hope ya know we had a hard time

This is a great video for everyone to view. There isn't anyone who gets out of this life with out experiencing some challenges, hurts, sorrows, and all manner of adversities.

Beautiful and inspiring video of Hope - music "Broken" by Kenneth Cope

Kenneth Cope - Broken

[via FoxyTunes / Kenneth Cope]

Broken by Kenneth Cope - Broken clouds give rain. Broken soil grows grain. Broken bread feeds man for one more day. Broken storms yield light. Break of day heals night. Broken pride turns blindness into sight. Broken souls that need His mending. Broken hearts for offering. Could it be that God loves broken things? Broken chains set free. Broken swords bring peace. Broken walls make friends of you and me. To break the ranks of sin. To break the news of Him. To put on Christ ‘til his name feels broken in. Broken souls that need His mending. Broken hearts for offering. I believe that God loves broken things. And yet our broken faith, our broken promises Sent love to the cross. And still that broken flesh, that broken heart of His Offers us a trace and mercy, covers us with love undeserving.

Come to Jesus and Live - Kenneth Cope

Come to Jesus by Kenneth Cope

[via FoxyTunes / Kenneth Cope]

Do you need some inspiration to get clean and sober?

Please view this very inspirational video clip of Nick (below), who from his outward appearance seems to have nothing to offer or live for. BUT.. when you watch it you will see that his positive attitude and outlook on what he has been given to deal with in life, should inspire you to want to make your life better.

Quoting from the video, Nick says that with trials, "It is not the end, it matters how you finnish... are you going to finnish strong? You will find the strength to get back up".

I hope you will find the hope to help yourself with your addiction, because as you look around, there is always someone who has it worse off than you . Is the way you are currently dealing with your life life the way that God meant for you to liv? Nick has learned from his challenges, and is making something out of his life. How about you? Pick yourself up by your boot straps and conquer your addiction. You can do it and must do it because living with addiction isn't the quality of life that God planned for you. Heavenly Father wants you to be happy and you can be just as happy as you choose to be.

This clip is not a part of the Addiction Recovery Program but one that I found that I felt personally could touch your heart.
I also don't know what the language is that is shown at the bottom of the video clip, so disregard it, just listen to the inspirational message that Nick offers. ... Also you may need to have some tissue handy.

So you have fallen? Well get back up! Enjoy this inspirational video.