Step 9 of the 14 H/A steps is; We admitted to GOD, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs and humbly asked GOD to remove our defects of character. Most people find the idea of confessing to another human being the most difficult part of this step. Even when they understand that they are not asking for forgiveness (unless they are confessing to one they have wronged) but are asking for counsel and prayer, they choke at the idea of airing their dirty laundry in public. Why? For most of us, it is fear of rejection. We tell ourselves, If I tell someone all my dirty little secrets, things I can hardly bear to look at myself, they will despise me. I simply cannot face their disgust! Rejection isnt easy to deal with under any circumstances. When we feel rejected, we feel certain fears and begin to discount ourselves. We begin to feel inadequate and lonely. We feel lost and confused. We feel discounted. Then, to defend ourselves, we may begin to resent the one that rejected us and everyone who reminds us of him or her. We will probably be tempted to act out. Small wonder that the prospect of confessing to another human being should seem so threatening. Yet this is something the Bible says we should do (James 5:16 ~ Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much) and is something we must do if we are to work our steps and find the freedom we seek. How can we overcome this fear of rejection? First, we can remember that we are really fortune-telling--pretending we have the power to predict the future when our past experiences make it crystal clear that we have no such power. Second, we can choose the one to whom we make our confession carefully. We can look for one who loves GOD, loves people, and has known some struggle with sin in his or her own life. Such a person is likely to understand, because they know how difficult life can be. Third, we remember that no matter what rejection we face at any time in our life, GOD accepts HIS own, and, after all, it is HIS verdict that really counts! Finally, we remember that we are in the Hands that were pierced by nails so that we could have the Hope for eternal salvation, and we trust HIM. We make our confession to another human being, and, if our experience is like most others who have taken this step, we find a warm friend, a loving heart, and a wise counselor. Dear FATHER in Heaven, Please deliver me from the fear of rejection. Give me the courage to work these steps as I get closer to YOU and to seeing YOUR intended Creation in my self. Let me be wise in choosing the one to whom I confess, and courageous in making that confession. Let me learn to live by faith and triumph over fear. Thank YOU LORD, for all of the Mighty & Majestic Blessings YOU bestow upon us all on a daily basis. In JESUS Name. Amen.
Posted on: Thu, 04 Dec 2014 08:40:30 +0000
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