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Daily Reflections: Seeds of Faith

SEEDS OF FAITH
Faith, to be sure, is necessary, but faith alone can avail nothing. We can have faith, yet keep God out of our lives.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 34
As a child I constantly questioned the existence of God. To a "scientific thinker" like me, no answer could withstand a thorough dissection, until a very patient woman finally said to me, "You must have faith." With that simple statement, the seeds of my recovery were sown!
Today, as I practice my recovery – cutting back the weeds of alcoholism – slowly I am letting those early seeds of faith grow and bloom. Each day of recovery, of ardent gardening, brings the Higher Power of my understanding more fully into my life. My God has always been with me through faith, but it is my responsibility to have the willingness to accept His presence.
I ask God to grant me the willingness to do His will.
This one is a little different for me.  I can't remember a time where I didn't feel or see the hand of God in my life.  There have been times where I questioned my worthiness of His love and pulled away, but I never questioned His existence.  But knowing is not enough.
I know plenty of people but don't spend time with them.  We have a passing familiarity with eachother. Maybe we know eachother's names and can recognize eachother by face.  But that doesn't mean we are friends.  It is the same with God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit.  I have to spend time in the Word, in worship, and in the fellowship of other believers. I want to listen to God, to know his character, and to share my life with him.  I want Him to call me friend. Faith is not enough.
Faith MUST lead to action or it is of no good to the kingdom of God.  We are all called to bring His glory into sharper focus; to be lights of love against the darkness. If I don't say yes to helping others, if I don't have a heart full of love I can give to others, if I don't do the work of recovery, I'm just a guy who stopped drinking and will eventually fall into my old selfish habits.
For me, sobriety is not about the decision to not drink.  It is about the decision to live a selfless life, guided by the purpose God has for me.
Lord, grant me the stillness of mind to hear Your voice, and the courage to act on it. May I be your servant today, benefiting everyone I meet, speak with, or even email and text.

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