Step 11: "Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out."
Key Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith."
Introduction: The Call to Endurance
Recovery is not a sprint—it is a marathon. At this stage in THRIVE Recovery, you have already walked through honesty, surrender, making amends, and personal inventory. Now, as you enter Step 11, you are called to endure by deepening your relationship with God. This is where true transformation happens—not just in avoiding relapse, but in learning to live with steadfast faith.
Endurance is about pressing forward even when the road is hard. It’s about staying connected to God in the face of challenges, temptations, and struggles. Step 11 calls us to seek God daily through prayer and meditation, allowing His strength to sustain us.
1. What is Endurance?
Definition: Endurance is the ability to keep going despite pain, hardship, or difficulty. Spiritually, it means holding fast to God even when we feel weak.
James 1:12 – "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."
Galatians 6:9 – "Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
Application:
Endurance is not just about survival; it is about growth.
Prayer and meditation strengthen endurance. When we stay connected to God, we find strength to keep moving forward.
2. Seeking God Through Prayer & Meditation
Step 11 calls us to actively seek God's will and trust Him to guide us.
A. Prayer – Talking to God
Prayer is our direct line of communication with God. It helps us surrender our worries, fears, and struggles.
Philippians 4:6-7 – "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
How to Apply:
Start each day by praying for God’s wisdom and strength.
Keep a prayer journal to track how God is answering your prayers.
Use The Serenity Prayer as a daily reminder of surrender.
B. Meditation – Listening to God
Meditation is not just sitting quietly; it is focusing our minds on God’s Word and presence.
Psalm 1:2 – "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night."
Isaiah 26:3 – "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You."
How to Apply:
Meditate on Scripture by reading a verse and reflecting on it throughout the day.
Set aside quiet time to listen for God’s voice and direction.
Practice gratitude—thank God for His guidance and provision.
3. The Power to Carry It Out
Seeking God’s will is only the first step—we must also walk in obedience.
A. Relying on God's Strength
Isaiah 40:31 – "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
We cannot endure on our own. We need God’s power to carry out His will.
B. Living Out His Will
Obedience leads to freedom. When we follow God's direction, we experience true peace.
Stay accountable. Surround yourself with people who encourage you to keep seeking God.
Endurance & Spiritual Fitness: Never Look Back
A Warning from Scripture: Looking Back Weakens Us
Jesus gave a serious warning about looking back:
Luke 9:62 – "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God."
In recovery, looking back at our old life with longing is dangerous. It shows that our hearts are still attached to the past. When we entertain old desires, dwell on past mistakes, or fantasize about what "could have been," we weaken our endurance and make relapse more likely.
Biblical Examples of the Dangers of Looking Back
Lot’s Wife – The Cost of Hesitation
Genesis 19:26 – "But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt."
She was saved from destruction, yet her attachment to the past made her unable to move forward.
The Israelites – A Heart Still in Egypt
Numbers 11:4-6 – The Israelites, though freed from slavery, complained and longed for Egypt’s food.
Peter Walking on Water – The Danger of Losing Focus
Matthew 14:29-30 – Peter walked on water until he took his eyes off Jesus.
Spiritual Fitness & Endurance: Staying in Shape for God’s Plan
Endurance is Proof of Spiritual Fitness
Just like in physical training, endurance is a sign of health, spiritual endurance proves our readiness for God’s kingdom.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 – "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize."
How to Stay Spiritually Fit
Commit to Daily Spiritual Workouts (Prayer, Bible Study, Worship)
Stay Fueled with the Right Spiritual Nutrition (God’s Word)
Keep Your Eyes on the Prize (Focus on the Future, Not the Past)
Surround Yourself with Other "Spiritual Athletes" (Accountability & Encouragement)
God’s Plan for You: Beyond What You Can Imagine
1 Corinthians 2:9 – "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human mind has conceived the things God has prepared for those who love Him."
Endurance is about preparation.
If we quit too soon, we miss out on the incredible blessings God wants to give us.
Reflection Questions
Am I still looking back at my past life with longing?
What areas of my life need more spiritual training and endurance?
How can I stay focused on God’s amazing plan instead of dwelling on the past?
Final Encouragement: Keep Running the Race
Recovery is about more than staying sober—it’s about growing stronger in your faith. Don’t look back. Don’t slow down. Keep running.
"Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6)
This week, commit to staying in spiritual shape. Stay focused. Endure. God’s best is ahead of you.