Follow Jesus’ Footprints – Not Man Made Steps

I’m so happy you’re here in this post with me today, diving into this journey of recovery through faith in Jesus Christ. I know the road you’re on might feel overwhelming at times… as though a tidal wave came over you. Maybe you’ve tried the 12-step path and it just didn’t fit, or maybe you’re looking for something deeper, something that speaks to your soul. After all, this is a spiritual battle, NOT a theorized disease. I’ve got good news for you today. You don’t need a rigid man-made program to find freedom. You can get high on Jesus and the Bible… a ‘high’ that is real, lasting, holds powerful strength and truth. You just need to submit to God and begin a lifetime relationship with Christ Himself. Let’s walk through this together, leaning on God’s Word to light your way and ignite your spirit with hope.

First, let’s talk about where true recovery starts. It’s not about willpower or checklists; it’s about surrender. Romans 12:1-2 says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Jesus is asking you to give Him everything… your struggles, your pain, your addiction… and let Him transform you from the inside out through the Bible’s truth and Jesus’ love and commandments. That’s where the healing begins, not in some meeting room, but in your heart.

I know you might be thinking, “But I’ve messed up so much… how could God even want me?” Hear me… that’s the beauty of His grace. Grace is unmerited favor from God. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.” You don’t have to earn your way out of this pit. God’s not waiting for you to clean up first; He’s reaching down through Jesus to pull you up right now. All you need is faith! Trust that the Bible’s promises are true and that Jesus is bigger than your past, your addiction, your cravings, or your shame.

So how do you keep going when the pull of old habits feels so strong? You lean on Jesus’ strength, not yours. Philippians 4:13 promises, “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” That’s not just a sweet saying! It’s powerful TRUTH for your everyday fight, straight from the Bible. When you’re tempted, cry out to Jesus. When you’re weak, let Him carry you. He’s not some distant judge; He’s your friend, your rock, your deliverer. He’s waiting to be your Lord and Savior or He’s waiting for you to return to Him. Here’s the kicker: He’s already won the battle for you. John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus has the victory, and He’s sharing it with you through every page of Scripture. You just have to believe.

Friend, recovery doesn’t have to be a formula. It’s a relationship with Jesus, with His Word – the Bible – as your manual for life. Psalm 34:18 assures us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” He sees you right where you are… broken, hurting, maybe even doubting. He’s not walking away. He’s right there, ready to fill you with the peace of Jesus Christ, His Holy Spirit, and the power of the Bible. A relationship with Jesus is on that nothing else can ever match. So take a deep breath, lift your eyes to Him, and let’s keep moving forward together. You’re not alone in this. You’ve got a Savior who’s crazy about you, and He’s writing a redemption story in your life, backed by every promise in the Bible. Will you trust Jesus, His atoning Blood, and His Word with your next step forward today… the ONLY step you need to take?

By embracing these steps and the truths contained in these Scriptures, you can deepen your understanding and relationship with Jesus, centered on the transformative power of His Blood atonement.

How to know Jesus and Begin a Relationship with Him:

1. Recognize the Need for Salvation:
   “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23)
2. Understand the Blood Atonement:
   “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28)
3. Believe in Jesus Christ:
   “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16)
4. Understand and, Acknowledge, and Accept His Sacrifice:
   “But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:19)1.
5. Develop a Relationship:
   “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3)1.
6. Live in Faith:
   “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8-9)1.
7. Follow His Commandments Every Day of Your Life “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15)

After understanding the above 7 points, please pray to Jesus telling Him that you understand and ask Him to lead you and guide you every day of your life. Tell Him that you repent of your sins and that to show you repent, you will never do them again. Thank Him and praise Him for your Salvation.

Have a blessed rest of your day knowing that Jesus Christ died for you and that He will meet you where you are. Please find a fellowship that honors God and Jesus. Those wild places that call themselves ‘churches’ but act like it’s a rock concert, STAY AWAY FROM. They will take you to dark places. You may want to find a good Recovery Coach who can help you through all of this and your Biblical recovery that leads to 100% FREEDOM for the rest of your life..