Lesson 2. Powerless

Hyunjin Lee
Jan 1
3 min read

Finding Freedom Through Surrender

When we accept the first principle of recovery and step out of denial into reality, a humbling truth becomes clear: there are very few things we truly control. This realization can feel frightening at first, but it is actually the beginning of freedom.

Admitting our powerlessness does not mean giving up. It means stopping the exhausting attempt to control what we were never meant to manage on our own. When we acknowledge our limits, we no longer have to live under the weight of what steals our peace. These serenity robbers are revealed through the acrostic POWERLESS.

The Serenity Robbers

P — Pride

Ignorance combined with power and pride is a dangerous mixture. Pride convinces us we can handle life alone and prevents us from asking for help. In recovery, pride keeps us sick.

O — Only Ifs

“Only if” thinking traps us in rationalization. We delay healing by believing change will come if someone else changes first or if circumstances improve. Recovery begins when we accept reality as it is.

W — Worry

Worry is a subtle form of mistrust. When we worry constantly, we are trying to carry what God has already offered to hold for us. Trust grows when we release control.

E — Escape

Denial often leads us into fantasy—unrealistic expectations of ourselves, others, and life. Escape may feel comforting, but it keeps us disconnected from truth and growth.

R — Resentment

Resentment is like emotional cancer. When left unaddressed, it spreads bitterness and slowly poisons our hearts, relationships, and spiritual life.

L — Loneliness

Loneliness in recovery is often a choice. Isolation convinces us we are alone, but God never intended us to heal in solitude. Recovery is a shared journey.

E — Emptiness

That hollow feeling inside—the cold wind of hopelessness—cannot be filled by control, achievement, or distraction. Only surrender allows God to fill what has been empty for so long.

S — Selfishness

Even our prayers can become self-centered: “Give me, help me, fix me.” Recovery invites us to shift from self-focus to surrender, service, and trust in God’s will.

S — Separation

Some speak of “finding God” as if He were ever lost. The truth is, separation happens when we try to live independently of Him. God has always been near.

What Must Stop

At this stage of recovery, two things must end:

Stop Denying the Pain

You are ready to take your first step when your pain becomes greater than your fear. Healing begins when we stop minimizing, avoiding, or numbing what hurts.

Stop Playing God

You cannot do for yourself what only God can do. Scripture reminds us that we cannot serve both ourselves and God. Surrender is not failure—it is wisdom.

What Must Begin

Along with stopping old behaviors, two new actions are essential:

Start Admitting Your Powerlessness

As you work the first principle, you will see that on your own you do not have the power to change your hurts, hang-ups, or habits. This honesty opens the door to grace.

Start Admitting Life Has Become Unmanageable

Freedom begins when we acknowledge that some areas of our lives are beyond our control. This admission is not defeat—it is the foundation of recovery.