THE TWELVE STEPS TO VICTORY™ || Step Twelve || Sharing the Hope of Victory

In The Twelve Steps to Victory column, we’re reframing the traditional 12 Steps with a focus on victory vs continually looking back at our missteps and failures. Each Step aligns with the months on the yearly calendar. This series publishes on the first Friday of each month in 2025. This is the final column in this series.

“Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs, sharing the victory we’ve found with others.” ~ Step Twelve

When we arrive at Step Twelve, we discover that recovery is not the end of the road, but the beginning of a new way of living. Every prayer prayed, every confession spoken, every truth faced, and every surrender offered has led us to a place of victory — not just for ourselves, but to be shared with others.

Victory is never meant to be hoarded. God’s grace flows through us like living water

Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart. ~John 7:38 NLT

When we testify of His goodness, that living water refreshes not only us but those around us. Our story becomes a bridge that helps someone else believe that freedom is possible.

The Joy of Giving Away What We’ve Received

The beautiful paradox of Step Twelve is that the more we give away, the more we are strengthened. When we sit with a trembling sister who doesn’t yet believe she can change, our words of hope plant seeds in her soul. As Paul wrote,

“He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others” ~ 2 Corinthians 1:4 NLT

In this step, we don’t need to be perfect examples — we are living proof that God works through imperfect people. Our scars, instead of disqualifying us, become the very evidence of God’s healing power.

Practicing the Principles in Daily Life

Carrying the message is more than speaking words. It’s living a life transformed by Christ. It’s choosing forgiveness instead of resentment, prayer instead of panic, love instead of bitterness. It’s showing up consistently, not because we’re strong, but because God is faithful.

When our recovery principles become part of our everyday life, others will see something different in us. They may not know what it is at first, but our peace, joy, and steady faith will point them straight to Jesus.

A Call to Action

Sisters, Step Twelve calls us out of isolation and into purpose. It is an invitation to share the hope of victory — in our families, our church, our workplaces, and in the lives of women still searching for freedom.

You don’t have to preach a sermon or write a book. Start small. Share a verse, a prayer, a listening ear. Let your life be a testimony that says, “If He did it for me, He can do it for you too.”


Journal Prompts

    1. Who has been a “hope carrier” in your recovery journey, and how did God use them to encourage you?
    2. Where might God be calling you to share your story of victory — even in small ways?
    3. Which principle from these 12 steps do you feel most called to live out in front of others this week?

Final Call to Action:
Beloved sister, you are never alone in this journey. Keep walking in victory, keep leaning on His grace, and keep sharing the hope you’ve found. The world is waiting for your story. 💖

🌸 Worship Moment 🎶

As we close out our journey through the Twelve Steps to Victory, let this worship song be a joyful declaration of what God has done in us — and a reminder to share His goodness with the world. The song “So So Good” by Phil Wickham, Brandon Lake, and Elevation Worship captures the heart of Step Twelve: celebrating God’s never–ending goodness and testifying that His love has carried us through.

Take a few moments to worship, rejoice, and let your spirit be filled with gratitude. May this song fuel your desire to share His hope and victory with others. ✨🙌💖

THE TWELVE LIFE RECOVERY GIFTS :: HAPPINESS

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH BEGINNING IN JANUARY. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC. COME ALONG. LET’S LEARN SOME NEW THINGS TOGETHER!
For my addiction recovery work this year I’m going through The Twelve Gifts of Life Recovery by Stephen Arterburn and David Stoop. On the third Friday of each month in 2021 I will be sharing the blessings God brings us to honor our choices and encourage our recovery journey.
This is the tenth post in the series. Today we are learning about the gift of happiness.

Happiness is a gift given to all who make up their minds that they will enjoy life to the fullest. The Twelve Gifts of Life Recovery

Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you. ~ Psalm 86:4

Most people make searching for happiness the primary objective for their life. Happiness is never found when we are searching for it. True happiness is produced by a certain lifestyle. In other words, we can’t go find happiness in a person, place or a thing. We will only experience happiness when we choose a godly life.

The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing. ~ Proverbs 10:28

As our hearts become more and more in tune with the heart of God, we experience the gift of happiness as a by-product of a godly life. ~ The Twelve Gifts of Life Recovery

There are two critical things we must do be certain the gift of happiness will continue in our life:

    • Avoid places or people that tempt us to fall back in old patterns.

   If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. ~ 1 Corinthians 10:12

    • Do your best to live Step 12. As we do we will stay strong in our recovery.

Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to others, and to practice these principles in all our affairs. ~ Step 12

It’s not just a matter of removing bad habits and bad people from our lives. We must replace them with godly habits and godly, recovering people who are strong examples we can follow. Spend time with people that are involved with a life of recovery and are supportive to you. And remember, to work Step 12 and successfully help others in their recovery we must be solid in our own recovery success.

Be blessed by this short teaching from Stephen Arterburn Going Deeper on The Gift of Happiness.