Action
In recovery, and in life, action follows willingness. In fact, action is the evidence of willingness. The prologue to the letter to the Hebrews (Heb. 1:1-4) tells us God spoke in a different way when the “old way” was no longer necessary (v. 1). Notice, v. 1 does not say God changed, it says he used a different way of communicating—once it was through his chosen prophets, now it will be through his Son. This introduction points to fulfilled promise as God at one time tells us he will send a Savior, as time passes we find that he did just that.
When speaking the old way—through his prophets (v. 1)—was no longer necessary, God did something different; “he spoke to us by his Son” (Heb. 1:2). That divine speech included a recipe for the duty of the Son,
Hebrews 1:3 (CSB)
3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact expression of his nature, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
God told his people by words “spoken by the prophets” and then he reinforced those words by his actions that affirm his position as Creator of the universe. God sent his Son to show us his glory (“radiance”), his power (“sustaining all things”), and his leadership (“making purification”) by giving his people himself. His words through the prophets were filled with truth, (2 Tim. 3:16) and his actions followed his words to fulfill the promise he made.
A willingness to make change is the seed to new growth and a new way of life. Action reflects the willingness of the heart; action displays trust in the words of truth. Cataloging an inventory of our past—greeting uncomfortable circumstances are challenging actions, yet they are ones that reflect the willingness to do things differently—to live the life of sobriety God calls us to. Actions display the willingness to accept and live life according to the truth.
Recovery ministry offers a place where it is “ok to not be ok”—a safe place to learn that actions reflect willingness. Recovering takes work; it’s not always easy, not always comfortable. But the yoke of our Savior is promised to be accommodating,
Matthew 11:28–30 (CSB)
28 “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Our prayer this month; willing generates action, action displays your heart, healing is the result.