Having worked through our DENIAL and accepting our POWERLESSNESS, we now recognize that our HOPE is found only in Jesus Christ!
Principle 2: Earnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to Him, and that He has the power to help me recover.
“Happy are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)
Step 2: We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
“For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13)
Higher Power – our Higher Power has a name: Jesus Christ! Jesus desires a hands-on, day-to-day, moment-to-moment relationship with us. He can do for us what we have never been able to do for ourselves.
“Everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by his power.” (Romans 11:36, TLB)
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV)
Openness to change – throughout our lives, we will continue to encounter hurts and trials that we are powerless to change. With God’s help, we need to be open to allow those trials to change us. To make us better, not bitter.
Now your attitudes and thoughts must all be constantly changing for the better. (Ephesians 4:23, TLB)
Power to change – in the past, we have wanted to change and were unable to do so. We could not free ourselves from our hurt, hang-ups, or habits. In Principle 2, we come to understand that God’s power can change us and our situation.
“For I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and the power.” (Philippians 4:13, TLB)
“Lead me; teach me; for you are the God who gives me salvation. I have no hope except in you.” (Psalm 25:5, TLB)
Expect to change – remember you are only at the second principle. Don’t quit before the miracle happens! With God’s help, the changes that you have longed for are just steps away.
“I am sure that God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in his grace until his task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns.” (Philippians 1:6 TLB)
How do we find hope? By faith in our Higher Power, Jesus Christ!
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1)