Joel M Bradshaw

10I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.–Psalm 40

I oversee Celebrate Recovery at my church and regularly teach on the recovery principles. And as part of my journey, I do celebrate many years of sobriety. But as I share my story, I always proclaim the faithfulness of God. I am grateful to be on the Jesus path and no longer on the Joel path. Jesus is the hero of my story and certainly not myself. This truth is clear every time I speak.

My story is also one of God’s steadfast love. I have endured much in my 45 years. Physical pain and much grief and loss. The faithful love of God sustains me daily. His mercy is so good to me and I don’t deserve a bit of it. I cannot earn it, either. God shows me His loving-kindness and I remain grateful.

I encourage you to be like David and to share the story of your salvation. Don’t hide how God has been the hero in your life. Speak regularly of God’s faithfulness. This could show up in how you answer passing small talk with another. “Hi, how are you doing?…Today is a good day….Oh yeah?…Yeah, God is faithful.”

1. God is the hero, not you.
2. Remain humble and grateful.
3. Never an opportunity to flex or brag.–JMB