Keep the Faith
I’d like to suggest as a topic for this week an excerpt from page 104 of the book, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions:
In AA we have found that the actual good results of prayer are beyond question. They are matters of knowledge and experience. All those who have persisted have found strength not ordinarily their own. They have found wisdom beyond their usual capability. And, they have increasingly found a peace of mind which can stand firm in the face of difficult circumstances.
This reminder is helpful to me because … sometimes God doesn’t seem to be listening to me … or “obeying.” <smile> Sometimes it seems that my prayers go “unanswered.” That can feel discouraging and cause me to “lose faith” … however, one of the wonderful things about this Program is that the more I participate, the more I receive reminders in ways big and small that prayers ARE answered! You recovering ladies tell me and show me that.
And, as I reflect back, I can see that the more I try to do the “next right thing” the more I find that “God does for me what I could not do for myself” [Big Book p 83-84]. Sometimes, God answers prayers that I didn’t even know I was praying! What is important for me is that I keep the faith and keep working my Program and doing the next right thing. God will make it all okay.
We are told that ” … those who have persisted have found strength not ordinarily their own … and wisdom beyond their usual capability … and peace of mind which can stand firm in the face of difficult circumstances …” For me, getting and staying sober is absolute proof that God has done amazing things for me that I could not do for myself. And there have been many, many other miracles and testaments to God’s care and guidance in my life. Participating in this Program (sharing, working the Steps) reminds me of that on a daily basis and reminds me to Keep The Faith.
I am honored to lead this meeting and encourage you to share on this topic or however you feel led to share. Thanks.