Step Twelve
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, for the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed” (Isaiah 61:1).
Step Twelve
Our Stories
Bible Reading: Mark 16:14-18
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
Each one of us has a valuable story to tell. We may be shy and feel awkward about speaking. We may wonder if what we have to share is trivial. Is it actually going to help anyone else? We may struggle to get beyond the shame of our past. But our recovery story can help others who are trapped back where we were. Are we willing to allow God to use us to help free others?
Jesus left us with this vital task: “Go into all the world and preach the Good News [of salvation from the bondage and penalty of sin] to everyone” (Mark 16:15).
Paul traveled the world over telling everyone the story of his conversion. He ended up in chains, but his spirit was free. He presented his defense (and his own story of redemption) before kings. King Agrippa interrupted him to say, “‘Do you think you can persuade me to become a Christian so quickly?’ Paul replied, ‘Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that both you and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains’” (Acts 26:28-29).
Within each personal story of the journey from bondage to freedom is a microcosm of the gospel. When people hear our story, even if it seems trivial, we are offering them the chance to loosen their chains and begin a recovery story of their own.
All of our recovery stories are custom designed for another person’s encouragement.
Step Twelve
Never Forget
Bible Reading: Titus 3:1-5
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
As we get further along in our recovery, the memory of how bad it really was may begin to fade. Do we vividly remember what we once were? Can we recall the dark emotions that filled our souls? Do we have true compassion and humble sympathy for those to whom we try to carry the message?
When we take the message of recovery to others it is vital that we never forget where we came from and how we got where we are. Paul told Titus, “Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. . . . When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:3-5).
As we share our message, let us never forget the following truths. We, too, were slaves just like they now are. Our hearts were filled with the confusion and painful emotions that others still feel. We were saved only because of the love and kindness of God, not because we became good enough. We must also remember that we are only able to stay free because God is with us, upholding us every step of the way.
Sharing our recovery will remind us of how far we’ve come and how much God loves us.
Step Twelve
Sharing Together
Bible Reading: Galatians 6:1-3
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
Since we have worked through the Twelve Steps, we are in a special position to carry the message to others. We can recognize the warning signs of addictive/compulsive tendencies in those around us, as well as in ourselves. When touching on such deep and sensitive issues it’s important to speak in the language of love, not condemnation.
The Bible tells us that if someone “is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1-2). The command was the one Jesus taught his disciples: “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other” (John 13:34). “This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (15:12-13).
We are not the Savior, but we can love others as he has loved us. Love goes beyond mere words. Sometimes it is spoken in silence, when we don’t condemn someone who’s looking for help. Love doesn’t just tell them what the problem is. It helps carry the weight of their burdens. We can be a part of a support network to help carry our friends until they are able to take steps toward recovery on their own initiative.
Sharing our own recovery will remind us of our need for others.
Step Twelve
Our Mission
Bible Reading: Isaiah 61:1-3
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
A life that has been set free from addiction is a beautiful sight to behold. When we practice these principles, people will gain hope and see the glory of God in our lives. We know from experience the depths of suffering, affliction, and brokenness. We know the pain of being enslaved to our passions and blinded by our denial. We have endured our season of grieving. We can relate to those who struggle to be free. We also know that there is more to life than bondage. There is healing and freedom; there is clarity and mercy; there is beauty and joy; there is heaven as well as hell.
When Jesus came to earth he had a mission, which was expressed in these words, “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, for the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the LORD’s favor has come. . . . To all who mourn . . . he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair” (Isaiah 61:1-3).
This mission has been passed on to us. Some people talk about “preaching the gospel” but may alienate those who need the Good News the most. We’re in a unique position to share our experience, strength, and hope in a way that broken people can receive it.
Our mission is to share the “good news” of our recovery.
Step Twelve
Celebrating Success
Bible Reading: Hebrews 10:25
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
Life flows in seasons. We all deal with life in terms of days and weeks, months and years. Special events, both personal and spiritual, are commemorated throughout the calendars of our lives. Birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays are woven into the fabric of our days to help keep us connected to God. They also remind us where we’ve come from and where we’re headed.
The Bible is full of examples that show the importance of integrating the spiritual with the “practice of the principles” in our everyday lives. Daniel prayed three times a day, every day. The disciples of Jesus went to the Temple regularly for worship and prayer. Christians are told, “Let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another” (Hebrews 10:25). All faithful Jews were required to celebrate the sacred feasts three times each year.
God knows that we easily forget the deep truths of the spirit if we disconnect the spiritual from our daily lives. We need to take care to commemorate the victories we’ve had. We need to attend regular meetings, to encourage one another, to celebrate each year of our sobriety, to tell our story over and over again to our children and our children’s children. That way, we will never forget and we will bring hope to others.
Celebrating our past victories can bring encouragement to ourselves and others.
Step Twelve
The Narrow Road
Bible Reading: 1 Peter 4:1-4
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
We probably came into recovery because we’d had enough! We’d had enough of the pain, the lies, and the destruction that addictive/compulsive behaviors bring with them. One day at a time, we learned the principles on the road to recovery. Now we’re at a place we weren’t sure we could ever reach—Step Twelve. Now we’re told to share the message with others. We mustn’t be discouraged when we find that not everyone will welcome the message.
Peter pointed out, “You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties. . . . Your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you” (1 Peter 4:3-4).
Jesus said, “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).
Our message won’t be accepted by the masses. The people on the “highway to hell” won’t eagerly restrict themselves to the clearly defined steps on the road to recovery.
As we share our recovery with others, we bring new strength to our own recovery journey.
Step Twelve
Talking the Walk
Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 4:14-16
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
When we wake up to realize everything we’ve gained by following the Twelve Steps, it will be natural to want to share this life-giving message with others. If we think back to the time before we entered recovery we’ll probably recall that we didn’t respond very well to “preaching.” And yet, we also realize that there are people in our lives who our message could help. We are right in our estimation of how vital our message is to their lives. This is why we need to communicate in a way that they can receive.
The apostle Paul taught Timothy that to get the message across, we need to combine the practice of our beliefs with the telling of them. He said, “Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for . . . the salvation of those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:15-16). When we practice the principles of the Twelve Steps, others will be watching and will notice the changes. This will open the door for us to be able to tell them our story as well.
We must never let ourselves forget that every addict is a precious lost soul whom God loves and wants to rescue. “If someone among you wanders away . . . , whoever brings the sinner back will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins” (James 5:19-20).
Talking about our recovery helps us to keep ourselves on track.
Step Twelve
Ready to Help
Bible Reading: Romans 12:1-5
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
We may feel like we’re not good enough to be an example for others. We may realize that we need other people, but find it hard to believe that our story could help anyone else.
The apostle Paul said, “Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other” (Romans 12:4-5).
To have a true view of where we fit in the scheme of things, we need to see that God has a purpose for our lives. God created each of us with abilities and talents. He likens us to a part of a body where every part is needed for the proper working of the whole. If you isolate any one part of a body and examine it, apart from its proper place among the other members, it may seem odd and useless. It is only when it is connected to the body and doing its appointed job that it realizes its usefulness. And so it is with us.
We need to find a place where our talents and abilities can be used to help others. Doing this will show that we have gained an honest understanding of whom God created us to be. He loves us and wants to help us realize our place in the body of Christ and our purpose in life.
We’re ready to help others when we’ve taken the step they’re about to take.
Step Twelve
A Shield of Protection
Bible Reading: Ephesians 6:13-17
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
Recovery is not a battle anyone wins alone. We help each other to think and live in new ways. Alone we’re vulnerable. Together we form a shield of protection for one another.
The apostle Paul wrote, “Hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil” (Ephesians 6:16). Faith here refers to trust in Christ for salvation. In general terms, it also means having constancy in our convictions. This can apply to our convictions about the Twelve Step principles. The shield of faith was likened to the shields carried by Roman soldiers, which were able to cover the entire body. To advance in battle, a group of soldiers would assemble together, making a wall of shields for protection as they moved.
Similarly, we are told to stick together, “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another” (Hebrews 10:25, NKJV). We are to take our place in the unity that helps protect us and those with whom our lives are connected.
We need to assemble with others who share the common beliefs helpful in our recovery. Our encouragement of one another, our shared faith, and the principles of the Twelve Steps will be a form of protection as we continue to advance in recovery.
By standing together, we form a shield against a relapse and other dangers.
Step Twelve
Listening First
Bible Reading: Acts 8:26-40
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
We may be so excited about what God has done for us or so concerned for those in need of recovery that we want to rush right out and tell everyone our story. Or we may be very shy and hesitate to tell anyone, especially if we think they are better than us. We all have a valuable story to tell; we just need to learn how best to communicate it.
The apostle Philip was led to meet an influential traveler. “The eunuch had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and he was now returning. . . . he was reading aloud from the book of the prophet Isaiah. The Holy Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go over and walk along beside the carriage.’ Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ The man replied, ‘How can I, unless someone instructs me?’ . . . So beginning with this same Scripture, Philip told him the Good News about Jesus” (Acts 8:27-31, 35).
The way Philip communicated can be a model for us. He was sensitive to allow God to lead him to someone who was ready. He wasn’t so intimidated by the man’s status that he hesitated in sharing his story. Philip began by listening carefully. He led the man’s need and interests into the message he was prepared to share. Whether we are zealous or shy, following this model can help us communicate in a way that people can understand and receive.
We’ll tell our own stories best, after we’ve listened first.
Step Twelve
Raindrops of Truth
Bible Reading: Isaiah 55:10-11
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
As we’ve practiced the principles of the Twelve Steps, we’ve seen growth in our lives. We have experienced a spiritual awakening, even if we weren’t looking for one when we started. As the seasons passed, we worked at applying each step. We noticed that some of the hunger that used to drive us began to subside. We realized more of our human dignity.
God tells us that his Word in our lives has this kind of impact. He says, “The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it” (Isaiah 55:10-11).
The principles of the Twelve Steps are tremendously powerful to change lives. One reason is that they incorporate and apply many powerful truths from the Word of God. Sometimes they come to us in gentle showers or flurries. Sometimes the truth drenches us like a sudden downpour. The principles settle into our lives and seep down into our hearts. In time, they produce fruit in our lives that nourishes our souls. As we continue to soak in the godly principles found in the Twelve Steps we will prosper as God intended.
Our recovery stories can soak into the lives of others, like rain into parched ground.
Step Twelve
Fir Trees from Thorns
Bible Reading: Isaiah 55:12-13
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
Once we’ve been free from our addictions for a while we start to feel great! So many people in our lives are relieved of the pain and worry they used to suffer when we were in bondage. The places in our lives that used to be wasted and overgrown with thorns have been cleaned up. There’s more joy and peace in our lives.
A promise in the book of Isaiah can be applied to us. God said, “You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands! Where once there were thorns, cypress trees will grow. Where nettles grew, myrtles will sprout up. These events will bring great honor to the LORD’s name; they will be an everlasting sign of his power and love” (Isaiah 55:12-13).
As time passes and we continue to practice the principles of the Twelve Steps, we will see good things developing in areas of our lives that used to be thorny and wasted. The people around us will happily get used to the new us, and there will be a lot more joy in living. But we still need to look back and remember the “thorns” of our addiction now and again. We need to be willing to talk about our recovery at appropriate times. There are people whose lives are still filled with “thorns,” who need to hear our story so they can receive the hope our recovery can offer.
By remembering our thorny past, we will give hope to others of a glorious future.
Step Twelve
Suffering That Heals
Bible Reading: Isaiah 53:1-12
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
Those of us who have worked through the Twelve Steps will see life from a distinctive viewpoint. We’ll see things differently from those who haven’t acknowledged and dealt with their own pain. We’ve processed the depth of suffering that comes from growing up in this broken world. We’re well acquainted with our own grief, and compassionate toward others who are hurting. The things we’ve suffered have helped us learn valuable lessons about life that can’t be learned any other way. We have a message of hope for those still held prisoner by their addictions.
Even the Savior of the world learned from the things he’d suffered. Jesus spoke of himself by quoting Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, for the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the LORD’s favor has come” (Isaiah 61:1-2). Isaiah told us that Christ would be, “a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief” (53:3).
We’re not the Savior of the world, but like him, we’ve learned through the things we’ve suffered. And we have good news for those who are brokenhearted and imprisoned.
We have learned much through our painful steps toward recovery; we will learn even more as we share it with others.
Step Twelve
God’s Faithfulness
Bible Reading: Isaiah 38:1-20
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
We may not have been on the verge of death, but something devastated our lives enough to lead us into recovery.
Once, King Hezekiah became deathly sick and was told to set his affairs in order because he was going to die. He broke down sobbing and prayed for God to heal him. God heard and spared his life. Here’s part of a poem he wrote about his experience: “I waited patiently all night, but I was torn apart as though by lions. . . . Now I will walk humbly throughout my years because of this anguish I have felt. Lord, your discipline is good, for it leads to life and health. You restore my health and allow me to live! Yes, this anguish was good for me, for you have rescued me from death and forgiven all my sins. . . . Think of it—the LORD is ready to heal me! I will sing his praises with instruments every day of my life” (Isaiah 38:13, 15-17, 20).
We, too, can look back on the painful process of our recovery and say, “This anguish was good for me, for you have rescued me.” We need to make God’s faithfulness known to the next generation. We can do this by talking about our experiences and singing his praises every day we live.
When our recovery is centered on God, his transforming power can turn our pain into gladness.
Step Twelve
Known but Not Rejected
Bible Reading: John 4:28-42
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
One thing we gain through recovery groups is the support of people who love and accept us, even though they know all about us. This kind of support is well worth telling others about.
Jesus met a Samaritan woman by a well in the middle of a hot day. She didn’t have the best reputation. He knew she was thirsty for more than just water. She was thirsty for acceptance and love, something that Jesus gave her. After their talk, “the woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, ‘Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?’ So the people came streaming from the village to see him. . . . Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, ‘He told me everything I ever did!’” (John 4:28-30, 39).
This woman had gone through five broken marriages and was living with a man who wasn’t her husband. She was despised in her community and rejected. When she met someone who knew all of this but accepted her anyway, she spread the news. We, too, can find God’s love and acceptance in recovery groups and tell others about the support available. Then they can come and find recovery for themselves.
We will find new courage when we discover that we are known by God, but not rejected.
Step Twelve
Qualified to Encourage
Bible Reading: Luke 10:30-37
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
Maybe we’ve been treated like we’re subhuman. Perhaps we’ve been despised and rejected because of the shameful effects of our addictions. We may feel like we aren’t educated enough to help anyone recover. Don’t they need a professional trained to deal with these issues? What do we have to offer that could really help?
The Samaritans of Jesus’ day were a mixed race. They worshiped the Lord, but worshiped pagan gods as well (see 2 Kings 17:24-41). For these two reasons, they were hated and persecuted. Jesus tells a story about a Jew who was attacked and left bleeding on a roadside. “By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side. Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him” (Luke 10:31-33). It was the Samaritan who helped the man recover.
The two spiritual professionals looked on the man’s injuries but weren’t moved to do anything. Perhaps they had never really suffered themselves! The despised Samaritan could feel deep pity because he knew what suffering and rejection were like. Who is better equipped to help a hurting person than someone who has been hurt himself and is able to display sincere compassion?
There is no one better qualified to help than someone who’s already been there.
Step Twelve
Extending the Invitation
Bible Reading: Luke 14:16-24
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
Some of us entered recovery or a relationship with God because someone encouraged us. Others of us had to find our own way because no one took an interest in us. Perhaps people thought we were too far gone to be worth their time; maybe they disqualified us for some other reason.
Jesus told this story about inviting people into the Kingdom of God. “A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant to tell the guests, ‘Come, the banquet is ready.’ But they all began making excuses. . . . The servant returned and told his master what they had said. His master was furious and said, ‘Go quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ After the servant had done this, he reported, ‘There is still room for more.’ So his master said, ‘Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full’” (Luke 14:16-18, 21-23).
Step Twelve says to “carry this message to others.” “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone” (Mark 16:15). In both regards, we should be careful not to prejudge and disqualify anyone from hearing the message. Our job is just to extend the invitation.
Our part is to share our journey; God’s part is to help others listen.
Step Twelve
Small Beginnings
Bible Reading: Matthew 13:31-32
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
When we first decided to admit we were powerless and that our lives had become unmanageable, we took a tiny step. We probably had a hard time believing that we could go even one day without relapsing into our old ways. Now we’re amazed to see how working the steps has caused a new life to grow and has positively impacted every area of our lives. We may shake our heads in wonder to realize how many days have passed (one day at a time) since we last fell.
Jesus gave this illustration: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches” (Matthew 13:31-32). The phrase “Kingdom of Heaven” refers to a realm or sphere in which, at any given time, God’s rule is acknowledged.
When we turned our lives over to the care of God, we opened up our lives to becoming part of the sphere of God’s rule. From such small beginnings we have seen a whole new life grow, and beyond our wildest expectations! The tiny seed of our being that was dwarfed by our addictions has now burst open with our spiritual awakening.
When sharing, remember how God made great things happen from small beginnings.
Step Twelve
A Gradual Miracle
Bible Reading: Mark 8:22-26
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
Some of us have a spiritual awakening that’s sudden. We’re jolted to our senses—like being awakened by a splash of ice-cold water. For others of us the change is more gradual. We have a hard time shaking loose the darkness of our past. But whether we awoke in an instant or gradually, we have a valid message to take to others.
“Jesus took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. Then, spitting on the man’s eyes, he laid his hands on him and asked, ‘Can you see anything now?’ The man looked around. ‘Yes,’ he said, ‘I see people, but I can’t see them very clearly. They look like trees walking around.’ Then Jesus placed his hands on the man’s eyes again, and his eyes were opened. His sight was completely restored, and he could see everything clearly. Jesus sent him away, saying, ‘Don’t go back into the village on your way home’” (Mark 8:23-26).
This miracle sounds like a messy process. It didn’t all happen in an instant, but this doesn’t make the story any less important. It’s in the Bible right along with all the stories of instantaneous healing (see Matthew 9:27-31). If our awakening and recovery have taken a long and messy process, we still need to tell others. There are those who think there’s something wrong with them because their recovery isn’t a “sudden miracle.” By hearing our stories of gradual recovery, they will be encouraged.
A gradual miracle is no less a miracle than an instant one.
Step Twelve
A Light of Hope
Bible Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:5-8
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
Now that we’ve had a spiritual awakening, we can see how a daily practice of the principles in all our affairs is important. We can’t just do things now and again, here and there, and hope to stay alert.
Paul warned all believers to be alert and ready for the return of Christ at any moment. “For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night. So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. Night is the time when people sleep and drinkers get drunk. But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation” (1 Thessalonians 5:5-8).
Just as we need sleep on a regular basis to keep us alert during the daytime, we need regular application of the Twelve Steps to keep us sober. Jesus told his disciples, “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:14-16).
Light makes itself evident by contrast. As we practice the Twelve Steps in all of our affairs, we’ll shine in a dark world. We can be a light of hope for people still searching for answers. Let’s not hide our light, but let it shine!
As our lives brighten through recovery, we can bring hope to others by letting the light shine out.
Step Twelve
A Solid Foundation
Bible Reading: Matthew 7:24-27
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
At this point in our recovery we’ve started to rebuild our lives. We came to realize that our past lives weren’t able to hold up under the pressure of life’s storms. Now we’re trying to do things differently so we don’t repeat past mistakes and see it all come crashing down again.
Jesus told a story that relates to this. “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn't obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash” (Matthew 7:24-27).
The instructions Jesus gave are integrated into the principles of the Twelve Steps. By practicing them we will be following Jesus’ instructions. Life will always have storms and floods! We will face challenging problems and hurts in the future, as we have in the past. Practicing the principles of the Twelve Steps—honesty, humility, accountability, reliance upon God, self-evaluation, interdependence with others, openness to transformation, consideration, prayer, and diligence—will create a firm foundation for the new life we’re working to build.
Our recovery takes time, but should reach and transform the very roots of our being.
Step Twelve
Transformation
Bible Reading: Romans 12:1-2
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
Those of us who have sincerely practiced the Twelve Steps will begin to experience a transformation. The way we think and live will grow more and more in line with the satisfying life God intends for us. We’re growing away from our old ways and experiencing more and more freedom.
Paul said, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2). He also said, “The Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. . . . [We] reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image” (2 Corinthians 3:17-18).
By turning our lives over to the care of God, preparing for him to remove our defects of character, humbly asking him to remove our shortcomings, and seeking through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, we have opened our lives up to the Holy Spirit. As he continues to work within us, and we continue to remain open to God, our transformation will continue. Our growing freedom is a reflection to others of the freedom they can have, too.
Only a recovery that shares itself with others will be a transforming one.
Step Twelve
Hanging On
Bible Reading: Genesis 32:24-31
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
For some of us our relationship with God has seemed like a wrestling match at times. We almost see him as an opponent who’s fighting against us. And yet we don’t dare let him go because we know that without God’s help we’re lost.
Jacob had a strange experience. He was in camp alone “and a man came and wrestled with him until the dawn began to break. When the man saw that he would not win the match, he touched Jacob’s hip and wrenched it out of its socket. Then the man said, ‘Let me go, for the dawn is breaking!’ But Jacob said, ‘I will not let you go unless you bless me.’ ‘What is your name?’ the man asked. He replied, ‘Jacob.’ . . . ‘From now on you will be called Israel, because you have fought with God and with men and have won.’ ‘Please tell me your name,’ Jacob said. ‘Why do you want to know my name?’ the man replied. Then he blessed Jacob there. Jacob named the place Peniel (which means ‘face of God’), for he said, ‘I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been spared.’ The sun was rising as Jacob left Peniel, and he was limping because of the injury to his hip” (Genesis 32:24-31).
Jacob had a real wrestling match with God. He went away with a new name and God’s blessing, but he also was limping. We may have to wrestle with God as he changes who we are. But if we refuse to let go of God, he will bless us. Those of us who wrestle with God may also come away with a “limp” to remind us of the intensity of the struggle which led to our new identity.
Holding on to God is always rewarded by his blessing.
Step Twelve
Sharing Our Hope
Bible Reading: Acts 9:36-43
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
Our spiritual awakening and recovery may seem to us like a resurrection from the dead. We have seen what the power of God can do. Now we’re in a position to share that powerful message.
Jesus once referred to himself as “Petra,” a massive rock. He renamed Simon “Petros,” meaning a stone detached from the rock. Jesus was calling Simon a “chip off the old block”! One day Peter was brought in to see the body of a woman who had recently died. “The room was filled with widows who were weeping and showing him the coats and other clothes Dorcas [which in Aramaic is Tabitha] had made for them. But Peter asked them all to leave the room; then he knelt and prayed. Turning to the body he said, ‘Get up, Tabitha.’ And she opened her eyes!” (Acts 9:39-40).
We may wonder how Peter knew what to do in this situation. In Mark 5:22-43, we read about a time when Peter saw Jesus raise a girl from the dead in similar circumstances. Peter had been with Jesus when death was raised to new life. So later, Peter was able to take the power of God and the hope of renewed life to others.
We have seen how God can use the Twelve Steps to awaken us spiritually from lives that were killing us. We can recall what we saw God do for us. Then we can extend the life and the message of hope to others who are living lives that are killing them.
We don’t need eloquent words; we need only share what God has done in our lives.
Step Twelve
Freedom from Shame
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 6:14-21
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
When God does great things in our lives we may well be overjoyed. We may feel like dancing and singing! We might want to tell the whole world! But we may get some negative reactions.
David knew the feeling! “David danced before the LORD with all his might, wearing a priestly garment. So David and all the people of Israel brought up the Ark of the LORD with shouts of joy and the blowing of rams’ horns. But as the Ark of the LORD entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David, . . . she was filled with contempt for him. . . . When David returned home to bless his own family, Michal, the daughter of Saul, came out to meet him. She said in disgust, ‘How distinguished the king of Israel looked today, shamelessly exposing himself to the servant girls like any vulgar person might do!’ David retorted to Michal, ‘I was dancing before the LORD. . . . So I celebrate before the LORD. Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this’” (2 Samuel 6:14-16, 20-22).
Michal wasn’t a part of the celebration. She stayed back and fumed, rehearsing her criticisms, attempting to shame David. When we begin to express our joy over the great things God is doing for us, those who aren’t in on the celebration will resent our display. They may try to shame us into being quiet. We don’t have to be ashamed anymore! It’s sad that they won’t celebrate with us, but that’s no reason for our party to stop.
God is able to remove our shame and replace it with joy.
Step Twelve
Something to Boast About
Bible Reading: Psalm 107:1-32
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
Those of us who have worked through the Twelve Steps come from many different backgrounds. We could be categorized or labeled in many different ways. But we share a common past of imprisonment to the powerful effects of an addiction or compulsion. We can also share the common experience of having been rescued by God and set free from our peculiar prisons.
Psalm 107 is addressed to various groups of people who have been rescued by God. It says, “He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. . . . ‘LORD, help!’ they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He led them from the darkness and deepest gloom; he snapped their chains. Let them praise the LORD for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. For he broke down their prison gates of bronze; he cut apart their bars of iron. . . . Let them exalt him publicly before the congregation and before the leaders of the nation” (Psalm 107:9, 13-16, 32).
King David sang, “I will boast only in the LORD; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the LORD’s greatness; let us exalt his name together” (Psalm 34:2-3).
Those of us who have been set free have something to boast about. We’re called to praise God and to exalt him publicly.
Our natural response to recovery should be to shout our story from the rooftops!
Step Twelve
Never Too Late
Bible Reading: John 3:1-8
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
Perhaps we thought we were too old and set in our ways to start all over again—but we found a new life anyway! In working the Twelve Steps we had a spiritual awakening. This may not be something we feel comfortable talking about openly, but we do want to carry the message to others.
“There was a man named Nicodemus. . . . After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. ‘Rabbi,’ he said, ‘we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.’ Jesus replied, ‘I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.’ ‘What do you mean?’ exclaimed Nicodemus. ‘How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?’ Jesus replied, ‘. . . Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life’” (John 3:1-6).
Nicodemus had spent many years working his way up in the religious and social hierarchy. He thought he was too old to change, but he experienced a spiritual awakening in his encounter with Jesus. There was at least one person with whom he shared his faith. After the crucifixion, he and another secret disciple, an influential Jew like himself, buried the body of Jesus. We may feel uncomfortable telling our story to the world, but there are other people like us who may be receptive, one on one.
God often works in the hearts of the people we least expect him to.
Step Twelve
Remembering the Lost
Bible Reading: Luke 15:1-7
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
As time goes by in our recovery we may find that some of our friends look down on us for attending meetings with “addicts and sinners.” We may hear complaints about associating with this “kind of people.” Or we may find that we forget about those who are still lost in the wilderness of addiction.
“Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them! So Jesus told them this story: ‘If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, “Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.” In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!’” (Luke 15:1-7).
God doesn’t see people as either despicable or good. He sees them all as precious, whether they are lost or found. Now that we have been found, we must not forget those who are still lost.
God loves us so much that he seeks each one of us out and rejoices when we are found.
Step Twelve
A Spiritual Recovery
Bible Reading: Luke 12:16-21
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
Being free from our addictions and compulsions is wonderful! We have the chance to build a life that’s rich in every way. We may know people who have used the Twelve Steps to find freedom from their addictions, but who have never accepted Jesus Christ as the Savior of their souls. Perhaps, we are in this situation. We’ve found a better life, but our eternal life is still in jeopardy.
Jesus gave this illustration: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy!”’. . . But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’ Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God” (Luke 12:16-21). Another time Jesus said, “What do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” (Matthew 16:26).
Our earthly life may be wonderful now that our addictions are under control. But, God’s “kindness is intended to turn you from your sin” (Romans 2:4). In the final evaluation, recovery is wasted if we lose our eternal souls. We need to keep this in mind for ourselves and those with whom we share our message.
What is the use of recovery in this life if we are still eternally lost?
Step Twelve
We Will Make It!
Bible Reading: Philippians 1:3-11
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
We may have gotten through the Twelve Steps (for the first time or for the tenth time), but we are all still in process. God began a work within us which is continuing each day we live. His grace is at work within us, as we practice the principles we’ve learned, and as we carry the message of recovery to others.
The apostle Paul wrote a message for the Philippians which applies to us in many ways. He wrote, “I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. . . . I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return” (Philippians 1:6, 9-10).
Grace is the gift of God’s unearned favor. God favored us when we were still held in bondage by our addictions. He took us in his arms when no one else would touch us. He bought us when no one else was sure we were worth much. He is the author and finisher of our faith. We can be sure we will make it, because he has lavished his grace on us and committed himself to our recovery.
When God starts a project, he finishes it!