Why I'm in Alcoholics Anonymous

[madison1101]

Throughout my many years in and out of recovery from alcoholism, I have had quite a few Christians try to discourage me from going to AA, because it is "not strictly Christian." This last week something happened that has confirmed to me that AA is where God wants me for my recovery. Last week, a woman asked me to be her AA sponsor.

This woman is newly sober, and wants to stay that way by working the 12 Steps of AA. My job, as her sponsor, is to guide her in that process. In the past week, we have had many conversations about my beliefs in God, and how He gives me the strength to resist all temptation through the power of the Holy Spirit. In the process, I've mention becoming born again, and being saved, and referred to many passages of Scripture. She was raised Catholic, and attended Catholic school. She had stopped attending for a while after her divorce, but since getting sober has returned.

I am praying that as we go through the Steps, God will reveal Himself to her in a powerful way, and that she will make a personal decision to accept the Lord as her Savior.

Christians who need help with alcohol abuse, or alcoholism can attend AA, and be witnesses. I am in a lot of private conversations with women in the program.

 

[saved24]

What a wonderful ministry! Thank you for sharing. God bless.

 

[Forge3]

That is great news. And it is part of the steps to find or go back to their higher power (finding again). I think people are more open at that point and going through the steps. And there is the aspect of surrender. I wonder if the following scriptural verse may apply?

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

For false pride may become humility, and judgment may become understanding (wisdom), and rugged independance may become surrender.


Cheers,

Mark

 

[manitouscott]

Thank you for this post. I have considered going back to AA, as I stopped going because of the anti-specific God requirement in meetings. It really helps to hear your experience. God Bless.

 

[onanewpath]

Throughout my many years in and out of recovery from alcoholism, I have had quite a few Christians try to discourage me from going to AA, because it is "not strictly Christian." This last week something happened that has confirmed to me that AA is where God wants me for my recovery. Last week, a woman asked me to be her AA sponsor.

This woman is newly sober, and wants to stay that way by working the 12 Steps of AA. My job, as her sponsor, is to guide her in that process. In the past week, we have had many conversations about my beliefs in God, and how He gives me the strength to resist all temptation through the power of the Holy Spirit. In the process, I've mention becoming born again, and being saved, and referred to many passages of Scripture. She was raised Catholic, and attended Catholic school. She had stopped attending for a while after her divorce, but since getting sober has returned.

I am praying that as we go through the Steps, God will reveal Himself to her in a powerful way, and that she will make a personal decision to accept the Lord as her Savior.

Christians who need help with alcohol abuse, or alcoholism can attend AA, and be witnesses. I am in a lot of private conversations with women in the program.

God bless you madison as a sponsor you are doing god's work. I'am working through the 12 steps myself and just recieved a phone call from my sponsor he couldn't make it to work through the steps face to face today however he did give me a chapter to work through so i'm going to do that.

I'm only on step one in the program got a long way to go!

Thank you for this post. I have considered going back to AA, as I stopped going because of the anti-specific God requirement in meetings. It really helps to hear your experience. God Bless.

I actually found that quite liberating if it wasn't for AA i wouldn't of found god i'am forever in their debt. Their way of doing things gave me space to figure out my higher power was which i now know is the lord jesus christ, but i'am pragmatic if the flying spaghetti monster is their higher power and leads them to sobriety etc than so be it.

 

[Sober Mommy]

Hi Madison...

Reading your posts has made me realize that I do need to attend AA. Reading post as your helps because its nice to read about others who are Christians going though the same thing. I made the decision of quit drinking TODAY. And my fear was living without alcohol. Somehow I just couldnt see myself without alcohol but due to many events of being a foolish drunk and getting into serious problems I think it's time I stop saying I will try to drink less and only Fridays...I need to stop period. Hope that through this forum we can all support each other.

God bless you and I pray that we stay strong.

 

[dgiharris]

I'm a Christian that worked in a recovery center and AA groups and I don't like how many Christians are against AA.

AA is a very open and tolerant organization that does not frown upon religion or Christianity in any way shape or form. They are very accepting and most of the members of AA are Christian. I know it turns some Christians off when AA says, "Higher Power" but AA is very clear on the point that your higher power can be God...

It is my belief that God works through AA to save lives all across this world. And that is all that matters.

Imo, the thing that makes AA so great is the support structure. You can call your sponsor up at 2am and they will be there for you or they will call down the list and find someone to come get you... That can literally save your life or the lives of others...

And to be clear, i'm not saying AA can or should replace God in the equation of helping us beat an addiction, I'm simply saying that we should embrace all the tools God gives us to help ourselves and AA is definitely a great tool to help...

 

[BlessedDove]

I so agree with you! You can bring your faith into the rooms and connect with people and share how God has helped you. I have never felt rejected in an AA meeting for being a Christian even though in some meetings, I am definitely in the minority. I find AA and The Life Recovery Bible to be a strong foundation to my sobriety, which is given to me on a day to day basis, by the grace of God.

 

[PBA]

"Throughout my many years in and out of recovery from alcoholism, I have had quite a few Christians try to discourage me from going to AA, because it is "not strictly Christian."
I struggle within my self about AA not being "Christ
Centered," as it was originally. The enemy is infiltrating everything and everywhere in our day. I pray for guidance and direction constantly. It also makes me grateful for this Christian web site. I need a place where I feel I fit in and where other Christian Alcoholics can relate to me. I also want to be of service and not limit God's will for me to be somewhere I might not be very comfortable. Places in AA where someone can consider their higher power to be a door knob. Christ didn't pray for His believers to be taken out of the world, but to be kept from the evil one.
When evil is more rampant in the earth, He will return and take us out of it at that time. Thanks for sharing, it helped remind me of all this. Say a prayer for me as you finish reading this for His will in my daily life - that I be led and directed by His Spirit.

 

[Autumnleaf]

I went to church for quite awhile before going to AA. I prayed a lot. While praying I never in a million years thought of going to AA to stop drinking. I was waiting for God to miracle it away, and he did. He sent some flashing lights to give me a police escort to AA in answer to my prayers.

 

[PBA]

Good to hear from you Autumnleaf, and each one who post. I agree. AA is a blessing from God. I truly do thank Him for it. I wouldn't be sober without it. I do the footwork and He keeps doing the miracle a day at a time. I hope everyone keeps posting too. This is a good place to share our experience, hope, and strength along with attending AA. Thank God for fellow recovering Alcoholics in the faith.

 

[Autumnleaf]

Good to hear from you Autumnleaf, and each one who post. I agree. AA is a blessing from God. I truly do thank Him for it. I wouldn't be sober without it. I do the footwork and He keeps doing the miracle a day at a time. I hope everyone keeps posting too. This is a good place to share our experience, hope, and strength along with attending AA. Thank God for fellow recovering Alcoholics in the faith.

I've never been sober today before and I'll never have the chance to be again.

 

[guyfromnb]

Hi guys...It was a struggle for me too for many years...but not anymore....At one time I felt I had no where to go anymore... not in AA... and not even the church... It was a long period of darkness and loneliness for me...

I first got sober for 2 years with praying, bible study and the church... then I relapse

After that I was sober for another 2 years but with AA this time.... And relapse after that...

Now 'm going on my 10th year sober with AA... but still believing in Christ and going to church... But I have gained in humility, believing more in the grace and the freedom of Christ than I was before...

So I guess it can be a different experience for everyone... And I understand the struggle believe me... I went through it

 

[PBA]

Hi guyfromnb - I can sure relate to that. Welcome aboard.

 

[guyfromnb]

Hi guyfromnb - I can sure relate to that. Welcome aboard.

Thanks