Among the many things I’ve heard in recovery is that my sobriety is something I should guard very carefully, even though I’ve been sober for many years now. That makes perfect sense to me, since my sobriety is one of the greatest possessions I have. But after so many years of practice, what is the chance that I might lose my mind and go back to drinking?
If I have ever been convinced of anything, it is that “we grow or we go.” We grow spiritually, or we lose ground. It is always a very slow process—like taking a ride on the down escalator… backwards. Sooner or later, I’ll reach the bottom and find myself lying flat on my back, wondering, What happened?
Alcoholism is cunning, and tries to sneak up on me when I’m not looking. I’ve seen it happen countless times with friends who, after many years of recovery, find themselves hopelessly drunk because they became careless—thinking that their years of sobriety somehow made them immune to alcohol. That’s a big part of why I still gather with my fellow alcoholics. Every time I do, I’m reminded of what happens to those who don’t. However, I go for better reasons, too.
Sometimes my friends ask me if I have to meet with other alcoholics for the rest of my life. I laugh, because they apparently feel that somehow that’s a chore! Then I usually invite them to come with me to hear the amazing stories, the laughter, and see the miracles that unfold right before our eyes. I met a man in church once who told me he’d never seen a miracle, so I invited him to come with me, and I’d introduce him to a dozen miracles he could hug!
Although I gather on a regular basis with other recovered alcoholics, they don’t keep me sober. In fact, they can’t. God got me sober, and He’s the only One who can keep me sober. But where else can I find a group of people that offer me the amazing opportunity to give away some of what I’ve been so freely given?
Jesus said to His disciples, “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” Matthew 10:8 (emphasis supplied). Shouldn’t this include alcoholics and addicts? Why would I want to keep to myself the best gift I’ve ever received in my life? To me, it makes perfect sense to be in a place where other alcoholics come for help. I’ve found a way out through the grace of a loving God, and now, His love compels me to share it with others.
Helping other alcoholics to achieve sobriety brings me other undreamed-of rewards. I get to experience the joy of watching them recover, and I get to join these sober men and women as they work to help others! It never gets old.
Oh, and then there’s the vast amounts of friends I’ve made. Actually, it’s mind-boggling! I was just thinking of how the most elastic muscle in my body has to be my heart, because there’s always room for one more in there.
No longer am I alone, adrift without a paddle or a compass on a sea of alcohol. No longer do I cry myself to sleep, or wonder why God doesn’t answer my prayers to just let me die. Those are long-ago memories. In their place, I have the joy of learning how to reach God’s troubled children more effectively.
So do I fear getting drunk tomorrow, next week, or next month? Absolutely not.
I know I cannot keep myself sober, nor am I under the delusion that any human power can do that for me, either. But there is One who has all power. That One is God. And when I turn my alcoholism over to Him each day, He handles it just fine. He guides me every step of the way and provides me with a million opportunities to pray, grow, and help others. He gives me joy, courage, strength, wisdom, direction, and everything I need to live a happy and productive life.
What does He hope for in return? Only that I share what I’ve learned—especially with other alcoholics, because I am now uniquely qualified by my suffering to do so.
What has life thrown your way? What difficult experiences have you survived? Put those to good use. Don’t waste the opportunity to use your experience to help others—and you will thrive!
Am I cocky about my sobriety? No. Not at all. However, I am confident about my sobriety—because I’m confident in God. His will is for me to stay sober. And He will do just that, if I ask Him, for the rest of my life!
