WE ARE ALL IN RECOVERY

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"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." 2 Corinthians 3:18 

The idea of recovery isn’t limited to overcoming substance use or addiction—it’s a journey that every one of us is on, seeking healing, transformation, and ultimately becoming who God intended us to be. Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 3:18 speak to this journey of transformation, a journey we all share, being changed by the Spirit of the Lord.

In the United States, approximately 20.9 million adults consider themselves to be in recovery from substance use disorders. This is about 8.3% of the adult population—individuals who have experienced deep struggle and are now walking a path toward renewal. But recovery isn’t just for those battling substance use; it’s for all of us. About 48.5 million individuals, or 16.7% of those aged 12 and older, are struggling with a substance use disorder right now—actively needing transformation, hope, and support. And beyond these numbers, millions more of us are in recovery from the wounds and burdens of this world—mental health challenges, past traumas, broken relationships, and spiritual emptiness.

Paul says, "But we all, with unveiled face... are being transformed." He includes everyone. This universal need for transformation is what ties us together. Whether someone is in recovery from addiction, struggling with mental health, or simply dealing with the everyday battles of sin and brokenness, we are all being renewed and transformed, step by step, day by day, moment by moment, by the Spirit of the Lord.

• Recovery is Universal

The statistics tell us something profound—millions are in recovery from addiction and millions more are in active addiction. These numbers reveal not just a crisis, but a shared human condition. We all need restoration. The Bible teaches that every one of us—whether we recognize it or not—is in recovery. We're recovering from sin's grip, from the effects of a fallen world, and from the pain and struggles we’ve experienced. The journey isn’t just about abstaining from substances; it’s about a fundamental transformation of who we are—moving from death to life, from self to Christ.

In America, approximately 64% of adults identify as Christians. That’s a significant number of people who, whether consciously or not, are on this recovery journey. Many of them may not be facing addiction, but they are recovering—from pride, fear, anxiety, and everything that separates them from the fullness of life in Christ. The Gospel calls each of us to a continual transformation, a recovery that leads us to reflect more of Christ’s image.

• The Role of the Spirit in Recovery

Paul emphasizes that this transformation happens "by the Spirit of the Lord." For those in addiction recovery, there is often an emphasis on relying on a power greater than oneself. For Christians, this power is the Holy Spirit—the Comforter, the Convicter, the One who brings freedom and new life. As we behold the glory of God, as we turn our eyes away from ourselves and toward Him, we find the strength, peace, and transformation we need. The Spirit leads us not just to sobriety, but to spiritual wholeness—a full recovery of what God originally designed for us.

• Beholding the Glory of God

Recovery starts with beholding. Paul writes of beholding the glory of the Lord, and in that beholding, we are transformed. For someone recovering from addiction, this might mean looking beyond the brokenness and seeing the hope God offers. For a believer facing struggles, it means seeing beyond our circumstances to the sufficiency of Christ. Whether it's overcoming addiction, anxiety, or simply the struggles of daily life, we are all "in recovery" as we move closer to reflecting the glory of Christ.

• Unity in Recovery

"We Are All in Recovery." is a statement of unity. It acknowledges that every one of us—regardless of our specific struggles—is on a journey of healing and restoration. The same Spirit that works in the life of someone overcoming substance addiction works in the heart of the believer seeking freedom from fear, pride, or complacency. Together, we are being transformed "from glory to glory." This journey isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress, about recovery, about becoming more like Jesus every day.

When we recognize that we are all in recovery, we see that our journeys are not so different. Whether it’s the addict finding freedom, the Christian growing deeper in faith, or the church member seeking purpose, we are all on a path of transformation—of being restored, renewed, and recovered by the Spirit of the Lord. 

• The Quest to Become Recovered

This message of recovery is at the heart of The Quest to Become Recovered, a curriculum designed for everyone who desires transformation in their lives. The Quest is a journey that leads individuals to deeper spiritual growth, freedom from past strongholds, and a greater understanding of who God has called them to be. Whether you are struggling with addiction, overcoming challenges from your past, or simply longing for more of Christ in your life, The Quest to Become Recovered provides a path for true and lasting change. 

It’s a journey of restoration open to all—because we are all, in one way or another, in recovery, being transformed into the image of Christ from glory to glory. 

• Call to Action

Are you ready to begin your journey of recovery and transformation? Join us in The Quest to Become Recovered and take the next step toward true freedom and spiritual growth. Together, we can move from glory to glory, embracing the fullness of life God has for each of us. Reach out today to learn more and start your journey! Come as you are...we all did! When we say, "Come as you are"...we truly mean it.