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.
We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to victory. ~ Step Two to Victory
God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. ~ Ephesians 3:20 (MSG)
This Step emphasizes the importance of believing as the foundation of spiritual victory. Without faith in God’s power, we will miss the opportunity to experience His full restoration in our lives. We have to know deep in our heart that God is with us and for us. And because His Spirit lives in us, He will guide us if we let Him.
It’s vital that we remember the Holy Spirit is very sensitive and can be easily offended by our sinful behavior. If we want the benefits of God’s power working in our lives, it’s important that we guard our hearts and actions so that the Holy Spirit will stay with us. (See Ephesians 4 for a deeper study on this.)
A great quote from one of my favorite ministers says:
“The glory of God resting on an unsanctified life will crush it. The glory of the Lord resting on a sanctified life establishes it.” ~ Bill Johnson
In other words, if our life isn’t purposely set apart for God’s use with a deep belief in Him, His glory will crush us because our faith isn’t mature and strong enough to handle His power working in our lives. But on the other hand, if we give ourselves totally over to the Lord, in obedience to His Word, the Holy Spirit’s power will strengthen and mature us.
Think about a young child, maybe 10 years old. She wants to drive your car. She might have the ability to do it, but it could be harmful to her if you let her. She wouldn’t have the emotional and physical maturity to handle that responsibility.
God is always testing us to see if we are strong enough for His glory and power to be made real in our lives. He won’t ever give us more than we can handle.
Question: How does believing in God’s power to restore your life change the way you approach the challenges you currently face?
We may not know what the day will bring. But we know Who will bring the day! ~ We the Kingdom