Do You Believe in Jesus?

Reflections from Recovery
-written by "Sam"

"Do You Believe in Jesus" Part I

This devotion is from my perspective and my experience.  It is based on a devotion I did at a Christian based recovery program at a Salvation Army Rehab Center.  My job was not to preach but to inspire others to go deeper in their recovery and identify that higher power.  Here are my words of encouragement.

When we first come into the program, it's hard even to believe in God or that AA/NA can help us. If we did believe God, we cursed him for the life we were given. Life wasn't fair. It's hard to do what the 12 step programs teach us - meeting makers make it, call your sponsor, get a support network. Let Go and Let God.

With all of this AA/NA and Higher Power stuff thrown at us, we come in here and they throw another element into our already complicated recovery: JESUS.

We come to a rehab like no other that I've been in and a whole other program is

introduced to us - The program is part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

From my own experience -I believe in God and some of the bible. But why is it so hard to make a small step from believing in God to believing in Jesus as well.

I remember I was out at the smoke shack and it was just me and another resident.  I wanted to ask him, “Do you believe in Jesus?”

A part of me stopped and said, "No Sam don't open up that can of worms"

Why is it so hard for me to talk about it?   We are in a Christian rehab.  Is it because I made fun of Christians growing up?  Is it because Jesus is specific, he was human but had the power of God in Him.  Is that so unusual?  I guess so. 

Asking someone if they believe in Jesus is like asking them what color underwear they have on.  It is odd.

God is vast, super-natural. The Creator of all things.

When I was having trouble believing in this whole thing, I told my counselor that I am 80% of the way there. He told me when you pray.  Do YOU pray to 80% of God?  Well, no.  When God answers a prayer, is it 80%?
Well, no.

-to be continued tomorrow-

grace, peace + hope

-Jesse