I Believe, Help Me in my Unbelief!

The problem with one stumble is that it so often leads to two, and then three, and so on. For the alcoholic, this means that one drink is unacceptable. For the addict, this means that one episode of acting out carries the risk of undermining everything he has worked for.

The addict stumbled this week. He got up, brushed himself off, and started again down the road of sobriety. But then just two days later, another stumble.

And so this week finds the addict locked in struggle. He has learned so much in recovery and made many connections. And yet the addict feels as weak as ever.

In the words of the apostle Paul: He does that which he doesn't want to do, and that which he wants to do he doesn't do. Anyone who questions that sin leads to slavery should talk with an addict. The addict knows the ins and outs of being a slave.

Today the addict cries for help. Please, let the addict break free from the shackles of his addiction. The addict surrenders to his higher power, to that power which can set him free.

Says the addict to his Higher Power: "I believe, help me in my unbelief!"

One stumble, and the addict has slipped. Two stumbles and the addict becomes afraid. Can shame and guilt be far behind?

Help! If anyone out there sees the addict, please reach out and help him to his feet. He may resist you, he may not thank you, but he needs you.