THE IDEA OF FAITH

Faith, in the Big Book sense, isn't about blind belief or religious dogma. It's a practical step into action. On page 46, we read, 'We found that as soon as we were able to lay aside prejudice and express even a willingness to believe in a Power greater than ourselves, we commenced to get results.' That willingness is the seed of faith. It's not having all the answers—it's being willing to try a different way. On page 53, it says, 'We found that God does not make too hard terms with those who seek Him. To us, the Realm of Spirit is broad, roomy, all inclusive; never exclusive or forbidding to those who earnestly seek.' Faith grows as we act on it, especially through the Third Step prayer on page 63: 'God, I offer myself to Thee—to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt.' That's the idea of faith in recovery: a daily, active trust that leads to freedom.