Understanding Spiritual Warfare in Recovery
Many recovering alcoholics can experience feelings of extreme highs and lows that bring about old behavior. If not practicing our spiritual program, we may struggle with our conscience, and a battle emerges within our inner selves.
The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous describes untreated alcoholism on page 52 as the bedevilments: summed up as misery, depression, uselessness and troubled relationships. Driven by self-centered fear and dishonesty, we find ourselves in the middle of a battle against these spiritual maladies.
If you truly believe you are caught up in spiritual warfare, and the internal battle feels overwhelming or even lost, consider a powerful truth: God loved you first. His love for you predates your existence, meaning He knows you more deeply than you know yourself.
“We love because He first loved us.”- 1 John 4:19
Every day, the grace of sobriety is given to you as evidence that God is actively working in your life to soften your heart. This daily gift is a sign of His enduring presence and care.
The Value of Spiritual Struggle
Spiritual struggle is a sign that something valuable is at stake—your soul and your recovery. Just as the Big Book describes untreated alcoholism as producing misery and discomfort, the challenges you face often intensify as you draw nearer to God. Many people with long–term sobriety recognize that “the road gets narrower each day,” meaning the path becomes more focused and sometimes more difficult. If the journey feels overwhelming, hold on to this truth: God’s love for you is unwavering and existed long before your struggles. His love is not earned or lost by your battles—it is always present, guiding you through each challenge.
Suffering as a Path to Connection
If our lives are filled with God’s love, suffering becomes a means through which we identify with Christ, who endured pain to redeem us. It is often through pain where we meet Him, and in suffering that we connect with Him, much like the bond formed with others in AA. We identify with each other through our past and present pain, and with authentic- transparency.
Challenges and pain compel us to turn to God for strength, revealing the depth of His love in ways we might not otherwise experience. This ongoing process shows that relying on God brings us closer to Him and to others who share our journey.
Rejoicing in Reliance
I feel grateful when a sponsee calls struggling, as it shows he’s facing a spiritual battle. Through patience with God, victory is possible. Our pain and suffering teach us to rely more on God, allowing us to truly experience His unconditional love.