In the workbook, WALKING THE TWELVE STEPS WITH JESUS CHRIST, Ray Geisel, identifies four stages of recovery. This book is an excellent Christian, Bible-based Study Guide for use in recovery from addictions to drugs and/or alcohol.

STAGE ONE – THE FOUNDATION STAGE

Stage one is the foundational stage. This stage encompasses steps one, two, and three. II Corinthians 5:17, says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

In step one, I admit that, by MYSELF WITHOUT JESUS, I am powerless over my addiction, that my life has become unmanageable. I can’t overcome my out of control addictive behavior by myself.

In step two, I come to believe That God in Jesus Christ can correct this problem.

In step three, I make a decision to give my total will and life over to the care of Jesus as I understand Him.

SAGE TWO – THE DISCOVERY AND HEALING STAGE

Stage two includes, identifying the causes and hurts in our spiritual life, which ultimately led to our addictive behavior. After identifying the pain and hurt in our lives we bring them to Jesus Christ for healing. Through His grace and forgiveness we are freed from the pain of our past.

The final phase of this stage includes seeking forgiveness from those we have hurt and those who have hurt us. This allows for ultimate healing and forgiveness.

STAGE THREE – THE BUILDING STAGE

In this part of the recovery process we recognize the fact that today is the most important part of my recovery. AA says, “one day at a time at a time.” The Bible says, Psalm 118:24, “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

In this stage we are building a house of recovery and relationship with God.

STAGE FOUR – THE OVERCOMING IN JESUS STAGE

In recovery circles this stage is known as the maintenance phase of recovery. At Penfield we sing about our “Victory In Jesus.” This stage is claiming and walking in our Victory. Our victory is possible because of the Lord Jesus Christ and what He has done for us on the cross.

There is no real healing or recovery apart from the Lord Jesus Christ.