Step Two - There Is Hope

We’re taking a look at the principles for life we find in the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. 

Step Two brings us hope.  It tells us: 

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

What does that look like?  We would sink into despair if, when we admitted we were powerless, if we didn’t look around for someone, or something to help us.  And that’s what this step marks out for us.

We begin to look around – asking those who have already found healing, peace, and stability in life.  We read useful information, attend various gatherings or meetings.  It’s all part of being on a journey where we get informed that there is help available to us and, come to believe that a power greater than ourselves can restore us – yes us – to sanity (although we’re not even sure what sanity looks like.) 

As we take steps to seek truth and hear the message carried by people, like ourselves, who were broken but are now healing, we see a glimmer of hope that maybe this could be true for us as well. 

But the most important part of the process is to actually ask God to work in us, even if we don’t initially recognize what God is doing deep within, and to ask Him to reveal truth to us that will ground us and give us a way forward. 

It is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.  Philippians 2:13

And so today, Heavenly Father, here we are.  We admit that our past thinking and believing have been twisted and confused. We’ve admitted that we need help and here we are asking that help of You.   

Thank You, for making a way to give us new life.  We look to You for strength and power to sort out our pain and confusion.  We put my trust in You to restore us to sanity. 

Thank You for Your promises that as we choose to live according to Your principles, we can find a good, pleasing, and perfect life.  Amen.

Let’s keep watch for the hints God will be giving us throughout this day as He guides us forward towards healing and sanity.