Feel Stuck in Recovery? This One Verse Could Change Everything

“Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17, NKJV)

Self-Reflection

Ever feel that quiet nudge? The nudge of the Holy Spirit that tells you, you know what’s right, but you just can’t seem to act on it? Maybe it’s fear, guilt, or exhaustion holding you back. In recovery, those moments can weigh heavy. James 4:17 cuts straight to the heart: if we know the good we should do and don’t do it, for us, it’s sin. For those walking a Christian recovery path, this verse isn’t at all about guilt or shame… it’s a call to move forward right now with what God’s shown us.

James, the brother of Jesus, wrote this letter to early believers facing trials. His words are practical and bold, urging us to live out our faith. In chapter 4, he’s tackling pride, quarrels, and the need to submit to God. Verse 17 follows a warning about presuming on tomorrow. James 4:13-16, NKJV says, “Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor…”. As the Holy Spirit says, through James, life is short, so don’t waste it. Ignoring what you know is right, during or after recovery ends, might mean facing a tough conversation, seeking help, or breaking a harmful cycle.

Key Takeaways for those of you Recovering

1. Knowledge Brings Accountability
   • God doesn’t judge us for what we don’t yet know or understand, but when He reveals what we need to do, like reaching out for support, confessing a struggle, or trusting Him more, failing to act becomes sin for us. In recovery, it could be knowing you need to pray, work with a recovery coach, or join a Christian non-12-step group that believes Jesus heals completely and forever… but instead choosing to stay silent instead and not following through.
   • Question: What’s one good thing you know you should do for your recovery, but haven’t?
2. Sin Isn’t Just what we do wrong… It’s Not Doing what we know we must do
   • We often see sin as actions… lying, lashing out, slipping back into old habits. But James says it’s also not doing the good we know we have to do. In recovery, this might mean avoiding accountability, holding onto resentment, or skipping time with God.
   • Question: Where might you be missing the mark by not acting?
3. Grace Forgives, Repentance and Obedience Frees
   • Here’s the hope: God’s grace covers us, even when we fall short. Romans 5:20 says, NKJV: “But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more”. Yet, doing the good we know brings freedom and healing. Recovery isn’t about being flawless… it’s about following God moment by moment.
   • Question: How can leaning on God’s grace push you to take that next step?

Practical Application

• Step 1: Listen for Voice of God… the Nudge
  Take a moment in prayer, asking God to highlight one good thing you’ve been avoiding. Jot it down.
• Step 2: Face the Obstacle
  What’s in the way? Doubt? Shame? Weariness? Name it before God.
• Step 3: Act Today… Now
  Take action toward that good… send a text, say a prayer, or take that step you’ve delayed.

Closing Prayer

“Abba Father, You see where I’ve known to do good but haven’t. I repent. Forgive me, and give me the strength and wisdom to follow through. Thank You for Your grace, forgiveness, and mercy… and Your Holy Spirit that leads me on. Help me do the good You’ve shown me today, for my healing and Your glory. In Jesus Name, Amen.”

Have a blessed rest of your day! Don’t ever forget to follow the Holy Spirit’s prompting and take action now! Hope to see you in my next post.