The first step is always the hardest. For me, it’s not just about recovery — it’s about sitting down on the first day of the year and trying to write these words.
I struggle because I don’t like admitting that I’m powerless. I want to believe I can push through with my own strength, make the right choices, and produce something meaningful. But the truth is this: when I try to manage life on my own, I end up frustrated, fearful, and inconsistent.
Romans 7:18 — The First Step
“I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.”
— Romans 7:18
Paul’s words echo the heart of Step One: We admitted we were powerless over our addictions and compulsive behaviors, that our lives had become unmanageable.
Like Paul, I know the desire to do good is there, but I can’t carry it out without God.
Why We Struggle
For me, fear gets in the way:
- Fear of failure.
- Fear of criticism.
- Fear that I’m not good enough.
But here’s the truth: I don’t have to be “good enough.” None of us do. God doesn’t ask for perfection — He asks for surrender.
The Hope in Step One
When we finally admit we can’t do it alone, that’s not the end — it’s the beginning. Step One is not about despair; it’s about freedom. It’s the doorway to a life guided by Christ, where He carries what we cannot.
If you’ve ever felt stuck at the starting line, you’re not alone. The good news is that God is faithful to meet us there. Every single time.