Step 7: "Humbly Asking God to Remove Our Shortcomings."

Step 7: "Humbly Asking God to Remove Our Shortcomings

In the journey of recovery, Step 7 of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a pivotal moment: “Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.” This step is not just about acknowledging our flaws but about surrendering them to God, trusting in His power and grace to bring about real transformation.

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”
— James 4:10 (ESV)

This verse from James perfectly encapsulates the essence of Step 7. It reminds us that humility is the key to spiritual growth and freedom. When we approach God with a humble heart, acknowledging our need for His help, He lifts us up, restoring us in ways we never imagined possible.

Understanding Humility in Recovery

Humility in the context of Step 7 is not about feeling worthless or ashamed. Instead, it’s about recognizing our limitations and acknowledging that we cannot overcome our shortcomings on our own. It's a moment of truth where we say, “God, I need You.”

In 1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV), we read:
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

Here, the Scripture reinforces the idea that humility is directly linked to trust. When we humble ourselves, we’re not just bowing down; we’re laying our burdens, our anxieties, and our flaws at the feet of Jesus, trusting that He cares for us and will guide us through our recovery.

The Power of Surrender

Step 7 calls for a profound surrender, one that goes beyond mere words. It's about an inner transformation where we genuinely seek God’s help to change our character. This step is a reminder that while we may be powerless over our shortcomings, God is not.

Consider the words of Psalm 51:10 (ESV):
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”

This verse is a heartfelt plea for renewal and transformation. It acknowledges that the power to change comes not from within ourselves, but from God. By asking God to create a clean heart within us, we’re inviting Him to remove our defects of character and to make us new.

A Prayer for Step 7

As you reflect on Step 7, consider offering this prayer:

“Heavenly Father, I come before You today, recognizing my need for Your grace. I humbly ask that You remove my shortcomings, those defects of character that hinder my walk with You and with others. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. I trust in Your power to transform me from the inside out. Thank You for Your unfailing love and mercy. In Jesus' name, Amen.”

Moving Forward in Faith

Embracing Step 7 is a courageous act of faith. It’s about believing that God is both willing and able to remove our shortcomings. As we move forward in our recovery, let’s do so with the confidence that God is at work in us, shaping us into the people He created us to be.

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
— Philippians 1:6 (ESV)

This promise from Philippians reminds us that our journey of recovery is part of a greater work that God is doing in our lives. By humbly asking Him to remove our shortcomings, we are participating in this divine process, trusting that He will bring it to completion in His perfect time.

This blog is intended to encourage those in recovery to fully embrace the spiritual depth of Step 7, drawing strength from the Scriptures as they surrender their shortcomings to God.