Turning Our Lives Over to Christ's Care and Control

Turning your life over to God is frightening, since it involves relinquishing control over what you once felt so sure about. In Lesson 5 Turn, we take our third step in the recovery journey, entrusting our lives and wills to God's care. This transformative moment is a conscious choice, reflecting the essence of Principle 3: We consciously choose to commit all of our life and will to Christ's care and control.

How are we supposed to be able to TURN our life over? This process isn’t just about surrender; it’s a profound commitment to seeking direction and wisdom beyond our own understanding. Understanding this principle lays the groundwork for true liberation and healing.

TURN: C.R. Lesson 5 Acrostic*

• Trust

  Deciding to turn your life and will over to the one and only Higher Power, Jesus Christ, requires only trust. Trust is putting the faith you found in Principle 2 into action.

  Read: Romans 10:9

  
  

• Understand

  Relying on your own understanding is what led you into recovery in the first place. After you make the decision to ask Jesus into your life, you need to begin to seek His will for your life in all your decisions.

  Read: Proverbs 3:5-6

• Repent

  True repentance means not only turning away from your sins, but turn towards God. Repentance allows you to enjoy the freedom of your loving relationship with God.

  Read: Mark 1:15 and Romans 12:2

• New life

  After you have asked Jesus into your heart, you begin a new life!

The Weight of Control

We live in a world that often equates control with success. From managing our daily responsibilities to achieving long-term goals, the illusion of control can be comforting. However, this illusion can also create stress, anxiety, and frustration. The first step toward healing often involves acknowledging the limits of our control.

When we embrace the idea of turning our lives over to God, we begin to peel back the layers of stress that come from needing to maintain control at all times. This act of surrender is not a defeat, but a powerful turning point that leads to peace and clarity.

A Conscious Commitment

The decision to commit our lives and will to Christ's care requires thoughtful deliberation. It may feel uncomfortable at first, as we are often accustomed to relying on our own strength and wisdom. But this commitment signifies a profound trust in God's plan for our lives.

Understanding that God is both a guide and a protector can elevate our willingness to make this leap of faith. This isn't about abandoning responsibility but about aligning our wills with a higher purpose and direction. As we make this conscious commitment, we open ourselves to the possibility of transformation.

Embracing Faith Over Fear

One of the greatest challenges in this turning process is overcoming fear. Fear of the unknown can paralyze us and prevent us from taking necessary steps toward recovery. However, embracing faith allows us to confront that fear with confidence.

Consider the process of stepping into the unknown as an adventure. Each step forward builds our resilience and our faith in God’s care. We might encounter doubts, but regularly returning to the principle of commitment can ground us in times of uncertainty.

The Role of Prayer and Reflection

Central to this journey of turning our lives over to Christ is the practice of prayer and reflection. These tools enable us to maintain an open line of communication with God, seeking guidance and wisdom as we navigate our recovery.

Take time each day to pray, meditate, or journal your thoughts. Reflect on areas in your life where you struggle to let go of control. By identifying these areas, you can begin to consciously surrender them to God, trusting in His greater plan.

In doing so, we cultivate a relationship built on trust, forgiveness, and love—essential elements in the healing process.

Community: A Support System

Recovery is rarely a solo journey. Engaging with a community that supports the spiritual principles of recovery can reinforce your decision to turn your life over to Christ’s care and control.

Share your experiences with others who understand your journey. They can offer encouragement, share their struggles, and provide a sense of belonging. Often, hearing how others have navigated similar challenges can inspire hope and remind us that we are never truly alone.

The Power of Accountability

Having an accountability partner within your group will bolster your commitment to surrender. This individual should help keep you on track, encourage you when doubts arise, and celebrate your victories—no matter how small they may seem.

As you navigate this new chapter in your life, understanding that it is okay to ask for help is important. This accountability not only strengthens you but also deepens your connection to God and the community around you.

Trusting the Process

Turning your life over to Christ is a one-time decision. Turning your will over to Him requires a daily recommitment! Pray the Principle 3 Prayer (Daily):

Dear God, I have tried to do it all by myself, on my own power, and I have failed. Today, I want to turn my life over to You. I ask You to be my Lord and Savior. You are the one and only Higher Power! I ask that You help me start to think less about me and my will. I want to daily turn my will over to You, to daily seek Your direction and wisdom for my life. Please continue to help me overcome my hurts, hang-ups, and habits and may that victory over them help others as they see Your power at work in changing my life. Help me to do Your will always. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Remember, amidst the trials and tribulations, embracing the process allows you to experience growth. Each challenge becomes an opportunity for deeper faith and understanding.

Just as the seasons change, so too will your circumstances as you learn to surrender. Trusting in God’s timing creates space for miracles—experiences that can only come from letting go and letting God lead you.

The Journey Ahead

As you move forward in your recovery and embrace this principle of turning your life over to Christ, remember that you are not alone in your journey. Many others have and will continue to discover the joy and freedom that comes when they consciously commit their lives to God's care and control.

Our journey may be filled with uncertainties, but rest assured that every step you take is significant. Each instance of surrender draws you closer to a life of purpose and peace.

Conclusion

In Lesson 5, we are reminded of the profound healing that occurs when we consciously choose to turn our lives and wills over to Christ. This principle does not merely call for a moment of surrender; it invites us into a transformative relationship with God, one that requires daily commitment and faith.

As you embark on this journey, remember that power resides not in control but in trust. With each day that passes, embrace the unknown, and allow God's care to lead you toward the abundant life you were meant to lead.

Take heart, for the path ahead is paved with hope, love, and the promise of renewal. Embrace this journey of turning your life over and watch the miracles unfold.

Lesson 5 C.R. Step Study Journal Questions*

1. What is stopping you from asking Jesus Christ into your heart as your Lord and Savior? (If you have already asked Christ into your life, describe your experience.)

2. How has relying on your "own understanding" caused problems in your life? Be specific.

3. What does "repent" mean to you? What do you need to repent of?

4. What does the declaration of "not guilty" found in Romans 3:22 mean to you?

5. When you turn your life over to your Higher Power, Jesus Christ, you have a "new life" (See 2 Corinthians 5:17). What does that "new life" mean to you?

6. What does the Principle 3 prayer mean to you?