“If I want something done right, I might as well just do it myself.” How many times have you thought that, at work, at home or virtually anywhere you are responsible for getting something done? And many times it is very true. You know what you want done and you know how to do it, so rather than ask someone for help it’s just easier to do it yourself. However in some cases the do it yourself method just does not work, you can’t do it by yourself as hard as you try there is simply, no way. Most men recoil at having to ask for help, it’s like asking for directions, not going to happen.
At Celebrate Recovery we discover that if we could have done it by ourselves it would have been done long ago. If we could get free from our hurts habits and hang-ups’ all on our own we would already be there. Truth is we can’t. It seems this fact is harder for men to accept than it is for the ladies. Men like to fix stuff, anything, everything, grrrrr, we are manly men, nothing too hard! Maybe that is why men have such a hard time admitting they need help.
Celebrate Recovery emphasizes the need for three relationships in order to find freedom, healing and wholeness.
1. Jesus Christ. Everyone needs Jesus. He is our Higher Power and His power knows no limits, no barriers are too strong, nothing is beyond His ability.
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be absolutely free.” Jn. 8:36 GW
2. A Christ centered recovery group or a church family where you can be real.
“God’s purpose was that the body should not be divided but rather that all of its parts should feel the same concern for each other. If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts share its suffering.” 1Cor. 12:25-26 NOG
3. The relationship of a sponsor and/or a strong accountability partner.
“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer.” Eccl. 4:9-10&12 NLT
To sharpen something it takes friction, abrasion. This is not a relationship of contention, or condemnation, shame or guilt but of one of love that has an edge on it, some grit when necessary. The NT talks a lot about “one another,” helping, encouraging, strengthening, and loving. We are all in this together like it or not, and we need each other. To make the best of it we need to team up. It seems the American church with its individualist attitude is lacking in this understanding and its killing us. People are suffering in secret and isolation, trying to get free but unable to do so. God has made a way. A huge part of that way is Godly relationships.
Pam and I are so thankful for each of you. Thank you for your faithful prayers and support. You have helped make it possible for us to do this ministry. We could not do it alone.
Together in the body of Christ,
Jim & Pam