Step Two - Can Jesus Be Trusted As A Higher Power

Can Jesus Be Trusted As A Higher Power

We’re reflecting on the 12 Steps of AA and how they open a window for us to recognize and receive the goodness of God.  Today we look at Step Two

We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

The harsh reality is that we need God’s help to even come to know and believe what’s true.  One man who needed help said to Jesus, “Lord I believe, help my unbelief.”  He was speaking what so many of us find in our hearts. 

We hear amazing news that God loves us and is willing to forgive us and walk with us in loving relationship today but it’s so hard to believe knowing what we know about our weaknesses and failures. Here’s God’s good news for us:

When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good.  But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 

Romans 5:6-8

What we could not, cannot do for ourselves, God has done for us in Jesus Christ.  God knows we are weak – powerless actually.  Here’s the experience of someone else:

[God] said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

No need to summon up all kinds of self will and hope we can white knuckle our way to a new life.  God knows we can’t.  God simply invites us to give His forgiveness and strength a chance where we find ourselves helpless.

Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”  Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” 

John 6:28-29

Heavenly Father, we feel like these people.  We’re weak.  We’re hoping but wondering.  Please come and work in us today so our faith in Your great love for us, Your forgiveness offered to us in Jesus, and Your acceptance of us as we turn from our sinfulness and put our faith and trust in you comes alive more and more in us. 

Here we are today asking for Your help to truly believe that a power greater that ourselves could restore us to sanity and new life. Amen

Now friends, we show that we believe when we act differently than we did before.  So todays challenge is to make one choice, take one step of walking in God’s truth and then observe how God is true to His Word.  This is how we truly come to believe in a power greater than ourselves.