The Principle of Faith in Step 3

It’s March, and this month we at The Latest Thing would like to spotlight the Principle behind Step 3, Faith. The definition of Faith is complete trust or confidence in something or someone. Pretty hard to imagine doing that after a lifetime of self-will run riot! This is the willingness part of our triangle of honesty, open-mindedness and willingness. And these are the three essentials we must have to live lives of spiritual principles.

The first three principles work together and help us on our onward and inward journey of sobriety. Life in a spiritual program is a miraculous experience. The more time the alcoholic/addict spends taking good orderly direction, or trusting God, the more they experience a higher level of Faith. Ultimately, Faith comes down to having total confidence, belief, and trust in a Higher Power or God as you may understand Him, or sometimes don’t understand Him, whatever the case may be. Our newfound Faith will ultimately grow when we start to take action and see the positive evidence in all our activities around us. All we have to do is turn it over and get out of our own way! Faith begins when we make that vital decision to turn our will and our lives over to someone or something greater than us. 

Whether or not we know it, we have had some sort of Faith all along; whether it’s getting on a plane, in a car, or, say, getting married, we had Faith that things would work out, no matter the outcome. We have to take a different stance because we now have come to the place where we know that doing things our way has not worked out at all. So now it’s time to turn the car keys, the plane captain, and the proverbial spouse over to something greater than us! Having Faith does not mean that you won’t be afraid sometimes; it means saying, “Okay, God, or Buddha, Allah, Yahweh, or Group of Drunks, I want you to take over my will and my life, and I have faith, even though I’m frightened, that You are going to do a much better job than I am!”. And that means we also know that we aren’t in the business of results anymore; we just have Faith that our lives will go as the Universe, and our Higher Power has planned without all our controlling scenarios and nonsense.

Everyone at the Latest Thing had to turn their lives over to a Power greater than themselves, and still do every single day! And when we don’t…it shows! Luckily, we all have the opportunity to pause and turn our will and our lives back over to that Power and embrace Faith again. And again, and again! We can turn it over at any time, all day, every day!

We hope that you, dear customers, don’t delay in turning it over to a Power greater than yourselves, and we look forward to meeting some of you and hearing about your journeys of Faith!

Embracing Faith: The Third Step on the Road of Recovery 

In the transformative journey of recovery, each step builds upon the last, guiding individuals through a process of healing and self-discovery. The third step, making a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him, invites us into a profound exploration of faith. This step isn't just about religious belief; it's about trusting in a power greater than ourselves, whatever that may represent for each person. It's here, in the embrace of faith, that we find the strength to let go of control and surrender to a path of healing.

The Essence of Faith in Recovery

Faith, in the context of the third step, is about more than belief; it's about action. It's making the conscious decision to trust in something greater than ourselves to guide us through the uncertainties of life. For many, this step is where the journey of recovery truly begins, as it requires a level of surrender that can be both terrifying and liberating. It's a commitment to letting go of our own plans and trusting in the process, even when the road ahead is unclear.

Why Faith Matters

• Surrendering Control: One of the hardest lessons in recovery is learning that we cannot control everything. Faith allows us to surrender that need for control, trusting that we are being guided in the right direction.
• Overcoming Fear: Fear often holds us back from making necessary changes in our lives. Faith empowers us to move through our fears, knowing that we are not alone in our journey.
• Finding Peace: By placing our trust in a power greater than ourselves, we can find peace amidst the chaos of recovery. Faith offers a sense of calm in the storm, a reassurance that everything will be okay.
• Motivating Change: Faith is a powerful motivator. Believing that we are supported and loved gives us the courage to take the steps necessary for change.

Cultivating Faith

Cultivating faith is a personal journey that looks different for everyone. Here are some ways to nurture your faith in recovery:

• Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness and meditation can help connect you with the present moment and foster a sense of peace and trust in the process.
• Seek Community: Joining a recovery group or finding a spiritual community can provide support and reinforce your faith through the shared experiences of others.
• Reflect on Progress: Take time to reflect on how far you've come in your recovery. Recognizing your progress can strengthen your faith in the path you're on.
• Open to Inspiration: Whether through nature, art, music, or literature, find what inspires you and allows you to feel connected to something greater than yourself.

The Impact of Faith

Embracing faith can transform your recovery journey, providing a foundation of trust and surrender that supports every step forward. It's about finding strength in vulnerability and peace in the process of healing. As we open ourselves to faith, we open the door to a recovery that is not just about abstaining from substances but about finding a deeper sense of purpose and connection in our lives.