Blue to Beyond

Tag: god

  • Step one: Admitting you are powerless

    Depression can create addiction and with that I am adding information regarding addiction and steps you can take to combat it.

    For anyone beginning the journey of a 12-Step program, Step One is arguably the most crucial and, for many, the most challenging: “We admitted we were powerless over drugs, alcohol, porn, etc.—that our lives had become unmanageable.”

    At first glance, this step can feel like a devastating blow to our pride and our  desire for control. Powerless? Unmanageable? For a long time, we’ve likely been fighting tooth and nail to prove the opposite, convincing ourselves and others that we’ve got this. But in the context of addiction, this admission isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s the very bedrock upon which true recovery, and a deeper walk with God, can be built.

    What Does “Powerless” Truly Mean?

    From a Christian viewpoint, understanding powerlessness in Step One is not about being weak in character or lacking moral fiber. Instead, it’s a recognition of spiritual truth: we cannot overcome certain forces in our own strength.

    Think of it this way: our addiction, whatever it may be, has taken on a life of its own. It’s become a master, dictating our choices, overriding our best intentions, and ultimately leading us down a path of increasing despair. The Bible consistently reminds us of the limitations of human will when pitted against sin and destructive patterns. As Romans 7:18 says, “For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.”

    This isn’t to say we are without responsibility for our actions, but rather that the grip of addiction is so profound that our human efforts alone are insufficient to break free. We may try to white-knuckle it, make promises, or set new rules, but time and again, we find ourselves back in the same destructive cycle. This repetitive failure, this undeniable inability to control the substance or behavior, is the core of “powerlessness.”

    A Reality Check

    When our lives become unmanageable, it might not always look like outright chaos. Some may lose everything – jobs, relationships, health. For others, “unmanageable” might manifest as a quiet erosion of peace, a constant battle with guilt and shame, or a subtle yet pervasive sense that something is deeply wrong, even if outward appearances are maintained.

    From a Christian perspective, unmanageability points to a life that has strayed from God’s intended design. When we are not living in alignment with His will, when an idol (like our addiction) has taken His rightful place, our lives will inevitably suffer. Proverbs 14:12 reminds us, “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end, it leads to death.” The unmanageability we experience is a painful, yet often necessary, indicator that our “right way” has led us astray.

    Finding Strength in Surrender

    This is where the Christian point of view truly shines in Step One. Admitting powerlessness isn’t an invitation to despair; it’s an open door to God’s boundless power and grace.

    The moment we truly humble ourselves and admit we can’t do it on our own, we create space for God to work. This isn’t about God waiting for us to hit rock bottom, but rather about our willingness to receive His help when we finally acknowledge our need for it.

    Consider these powerful truths from Scripture:

    • James 4:10: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” Humility is the gateway to elevation. Our surrender opens the way for God’s divine intervention.
    • 2 Corinthians 12:9: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” God’s strength is magnified in our moments of greatest weakness. When we cease striving in our own might, His perfect power can flow through us.
    • Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Jesus invites us to lay down our heavy burdens, including the burden of trying to control what we cannot.

    Step One is an act of profound faith. It’s saying, “God, I’ve tried everything in my own strength, and it hasn’t worked. I surrender. I admit I am powerless over this, and my life is unmanageable. I need You.”

    This admission is the cracking open of our spirit, allowing the light of Christ to enter and begin the miraculous work of healing and transformation. It’s the courageous first step out of self-reliance and into the liberating truth that with God, all things are possible. It’s the beginning of a journey not to newfound self-control, but to Christ-control, where His power becomes our strength.

    I admit that my depression led to the use of alcohol which only spiraled my depression more. What would you admit today that you are powerless to control?

  • God Winks

    What started as a simple stroll with my daughter, Hannah, along the Ivy Creek Greenway in Lawrenceville, GA, quickly unfolded into a day filled with those magical, unscripted moments Hannah refers to as “God Winks.” The air was crisp, the birds were singing, and the dappled sunlight filtered through the trees, painting shifting patterns on the path ahead.

    As we meandered, taking in the peaceful surroundings, we came across a turtle contentedly sunbathing on the path, its ancient eyes seemingly observing the world with a calm wisdom. A little further on, a small caterpillar was making its determined, slow journey across our path, a tiny reminder to appreciate the unhurried pace of nature. Then, the real “God Wink” of the morning unfolded. Rounding a bend, we spotted three graceful deer, their coats a warm brown against the green foliage, quietly enjoying their day, completely unfazed by our presence. Hannah, with her keen eye and joyful spirit, whispered, “That’s a God Wink” and it truly felt like a special acknowledgment of our shared moment.

    Our walk also offered a breathtaking view of the Woodward Mill Dam, a tribute to both nature’s power and human ingenuity, its steady flow a soothing soundtrack to our morning.

    After our invigorating hike, the warmth of the afternoon called for a different kind of refreshment. We headed to the pool, where the fun continued with my son, Dylan, his wonderful girlfriend, Madison, and of course, Hannah. The water was a welcome embrace, and the laughter and splashing filled the air as we enjoyed a perfect interlude of family time, punctuated by cannonballs and cheerful banter.

    As dusk began to settle, we made our way to the grand finale of our day: fireworks in Auburn, GA. Finding a great spot, we settled in as the sky transformed into a canvas of brilliant light and color. Each burst and crackle was a punctuation mark on a day already bursting with joy and connection. From the quiet “God Winks” of the morning to the explosive beauty of the evening, it was a reminder of how simple pleasures, shared with loved ones, create the most vibrant and lasting memories.

    What “God Winks” have you experienced lately?