Turn the Wheel Over to God
“We thought well before taking this step making sure we were ready; that we could at last abandon ourselves utterly to Him.”
After working Step One and Step Two, I have accepted that my life is unmanageable because I had more than enough evidence. I am an alcoholic and believed a power greater than myself can restore me to sanity. Step Three is where we really start to put the action into it.
My best thinking landed me in eight drug & alcohol rehabilitation centers throughout my active addiction – I was aware I needed some guidance. I knew if I maintained control that my life would not change or go in the direction I wanted it too. Every time I work on or speak about Step Three, I think of Carrie Underwood’s song “Jesus Take the Wheel.” I was willing and even kind of excited to turn the wheel over to God.
My sponsor suggested I memorize the third step prayer, then write my own version of it. After I did as suggested, we got on our knees and held hands as we recited the third step prayer together. In the Big Book it states, “This was only a beginning, though if honestly and humbly made, an effect, sometimes a very great one, was felt at once.’” Honesty and humility are key to the surrender process. Every day I would wake up and say the third step prayer as soon as I woke up.
“God, I offer myself to Thee- To build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy Way of life. May I do Thy will always!”
It is important to say it every morning because I need to be reminded daily that I am not in control – by the grace of God, there go I. It is also a positive start to my day because making a conscious contact with my higher power is crucial. In the past, my downfall involved me taking my will back; thinking I could run the show and do it by myself. I tried every way possible, and I failed each and every time. I believe that is the difference between now and then, and why I am still sober today. It is an everyday battle to turn my will over, but I remain eager and pray about it until my Higher Power leads me back to the right path.
Another big advantage and positive change in my life is recognizing how to be of service to others instead of focusing on my own personal gain. I look for community service opportunities and dedicate time to others, especially those in early recovery, by leading support groups and encouraging them through their journey. I am grateful every day I am able to see the light because this is easily the best thing I have ever done for myself.
