Crucified with Christ | Faith to Share

 

Introduction: A Call Beyond Survival

In the shadowed valleys of recovery, where sobriety seems to hang by a thread and faith wavers under the weight of shame, guilt, resentment, and bitterness, there lies a divine invitation for many of us struggling. Faith to Serve is rooted in 1 Timothy 2:7 NASB and speaks to Christians regarding how we are possibly still wrestling with our past, whether it is addiction, family dysfunction, or struggling with codependency. This devotional, hopefully, inspires, edifies, and encourages each person to seek out the tender mercies of the Lord, to soften their heart, and be empowered to move from survival. An invitation for those struggling to rise into a purpose far greater than our own selfish desires and will. Here, I want to have a discussion where we uncover God's appointment in transforming our brokenness into a sacred space for service igniting a journey from despair to spiritual fulfillment. 

Today's devotional and message is an invitation and call for all of us to embrace our God-given faith. Not merely as a personal anchor - it is the very Light of hope that shines brightly within us because of who Jesus Christ is. Drawing from what Paul wrote to his disciple, Timothy, we are reminded of our precious and divine appointment to share the truth of Christ with the world. This message, hopefully, speaks directly to many of us who are struggling and suffering - especially many who are struggling and suffering in silence. 

Reflective Questions

1. What struggles in your recovery journey feel like "shadowed valleys" right now?

1. How might viewing your faith as a "divine invitation" change your approach to daily challenges?

1. Who in your life might be suffering in silence, waiting for the light of your faith to reach them?

Key Scripture: "For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle ... as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth." 

Reflection - The Weight of Divine Appointment

Consider the Apostle Paul's bold assertion in 1 Timothy 2:7. His calling was not a passive one; it was a commission to proclaim, to teach, and to serve with unwavering conviction. Genuine faith was never meant to be locked up in the heart of the believers - to the contrary, it is meant to be shared with the world. Reflect on the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30 NASB): each of us are entrusted with a measure of faith. Are we like the two servants (one given five and the other given two talents), investing our faith to strengthen others, inviting them into Christ's embrace, or meeting them in their despair? Or do we bury it, like the fearful servant, hiding in the hope we've been given? Faith is the currency of Heaven, and it grows only when spent. To hoard it is to squander it; to share it is to see it multiply in the lives of those we touch. 

Reflective Questions

1. How have you been investing the faith entrusted to you—through actions, words, or relationships?

1. What fears or doubts might be causing you to "bury" your faith instead of sharing it?

1. Can you recall a moment when sharing your faith led to growth in yourself or someone else?

Recovery Focus - Crucified, Renewed, and Sanctified through Christ's Sacrifice

For those of us who are in recovery, and those who are thriving in sobriety, 1 Timothy is a mirror reflecting not just who we were, but who we are becoming. Galatians 2:20 is where the Apostle Paul declares that he has been "crucified with Christ" and that "it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me and gave himself up for me." This is the death of the old self - death to our addiction, our shame, our pain, the bitterness and resentment we've carried and held onto. It is the death of toxic and codependent relationships that have caused us distress. And in its place is the birth of a new person in Christ, a new creation as 2 Corinthians 5:17 reveals. 

What is the cost? Presenting ourselves as "living sacrifices holy and acceptable to God" and being transformed, not conformed to the things of this world, by the renewing of our mind to prove that which is acceptable and good (Romans 12:1-2). We enter into the furnace of recovery where faith is both our shield and our refining fire. And since we are crucified with Christ, being the chief cornerstone of a thriving sober life, we are being forged into a new creation - surrendering to His will. Each of us are called, therefore, to offer ourselves up as those pillars of living sacrifice before God - because we are holy and walking in the works He has already prepared for us - for we are His workmanship (Ephesians 2:10). 

This is no mere fleeting act. It is born out of our willingness to consciously choose to give our hearts, minds, spirit, over to the will and care of Christ. To walk in freedom where Christ brought liberty to the captives (Isaiah 61:1 and Luke 4:18). Because we are set free (John 8:36) we rise above the slavery of our resentments and bitterness, and to embrace the freedom Christ offers. As we do, we become seasoned veterans of faith, equipped to minister to others still trapped in darkness. Our testimonies - forged in the storms of life - become lights that guide the lost, for "we have overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony" (Revelation 12:11, NASB). 

Reflective Questions

1. How have you seen the "old self" die and the "new creation" emerge in your recovery?

1. What does presenting yourself as a "living sacrifice" look like in your daily routine?

1. How has your testimony already been a light to someone else, and who else might need to hear it?

Wisdom - From Pain to Purpose

Wisdom teaches us that faith grows by expression; if we wish to keep it alive and vibrant, we are to share it. In the throes of faith crisis or the temptation of relapse, we know our struggles do not diminish our faith - they mature it. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us that we are to always "Trust in the lord with all [our] heart and do not lean on [our] understanding." Strengthening our faith comes by way of the fundamental spiritual disciplines of the Christian life. Through praise, worship, meditative prayer, fasting, scripture reading, fellowship, practicing solitude, serving, and becoming stewards. All while keeping a record of our own personal story and growth - showing areas of gratitude, and areas where we are strengthened through Christ when we are weak. 

Through it all - we become ministering angels of Christ, servants of Righteousness who are equipped to minister to others still trapped in darkness. Our testimonies - forged in the storms of life - become lights that guide the lost. 

Reflective Questions

1. Which spiritual discipline feels most challenging, and how can you begin to embrace it?

1. How have your past struggles matured your faith rather than diminished it?

1. What story from your recovery could you share to inspire someone else?

Key Insights

1. Divine Appointment: Every believer is called to share faith and truth, especially with those who are struggling.
2. Transformation through Sacrifice: Recovery is a process of dying to the old self and living as a renewed sacrifice for God.
3. Faith Grows through Sharing: Faith flourishes when expressed, not when hidden.
4. Testimonies as Lights: Our stories of overcoming through Christ guide others out of darkness.

Personal and Spiritual Applications

1. Embrace Your Calling: Accept your role as a bearer of Christ’s truth and light.
2. Surrender Daily: Choose each day to align your will with God’s, offering yourself as a living sacrifice.
3. Practice Spiritual Disciplines: Engage in prayer, scripture, and service to deepen your faith.
4. Share Your Story: Use your recovery journey to encourage and uplift others.

Takeaways

1. Faith is Active: It requires sharing and action to fulfill its purpose.
2. Recovery is Transformative: Through Christ, it’s a journey from survival to divine purpose.
3. Service is Essential: Serving others is central to living out our faith.
4. God’s Strength Shines in Weakness: Our trials are opportunities for God’s power to shine.

Words of Wisdom - Living the Appointment

Faith is not a possession to be guarded but a gift to be given. Let your life, your recovery, and the vibrant thriving in sobriety be a testament to the transformative power of God's love and watch as your faith multiplies in the lives of those you serve. 

Prayer

Lord, we approach You with hearts brimming with gratitude for the faith You’ve planted within us. We praise You for Your tender mercies, for renewing our minds daily, and for transforming our brokenness into beauty. Thank You for being our strength in temptation and our comfort in despair. Grant us the courage to live as new creations, unashamed of our past and bold in our witness. Equip us to share Your light with family, friends, and a hurting world, reflecting Your glory in all we do. May our obedience be swift, our faith unshakable, and our service a sweet offering to You. We lift this prayer in the name of Jesus, our Hope and Redeemer. Amen.