August 3: Willing to Be Willing
There’s one name on the list you just can’t face. You know you should. You’re not willing. Not even close. Is that okay?
“And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.”
In the garden the night before the cross, Jesus prayed in agony. Father, all things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me. And then: not what I desire, but what you desire.
Jesus was honest about what He wanted. He didn’t pretend the cross looked good. He told the Father exactly how He felt. Then He put His will under the Father’s. That’s the shape of real willingness. It doesn’t mean you feel ready. It means you’re honest and you surrender anyway.
Step Eight asks you to become willing to make amends to everyone on the list. Not to feel happy about it. Not to be eager. Just willing. And for some names, you’re not there yet.
That’s normal. People in recovery have an old saying for it. If you’re not willing, pray to be willing. If you’re not willing to be willing, pray for that. Start wherever you honestly are.
Willingness is something God gives. You can’t force it. But you can ask for it, every day, until it comes. Write the hard name down. Put “not ready” next to it. Then pray for willingness about that name each morning. Over weeks, many people find something shifts. The anger softens. The fear shrinks. One day you notice you’re ready.
What keeps you unwilling? Sometimes it’s what they did to you. Sometimes it’s shame. Sometimes it’s fear of what they’ll say. Talk that over with a sponsor or pastor. Naming it helps.
You don’t have to be willing today. You do have to be honest today. And you do have to keep asking.
One thing today
Next to the hardest name on your list, write “not ready yet.” Then pray this sentence about that person every morning this week: “Make me willing.”
A prayer
Father, You know which name I can’t face. I’m not willing, and I’m telling You the truth. Make me willing. Not my will, but Yours, even here. Amen.
Becoming willing is the heart of Step Eight.
Talk it through with Jimmy or Sarah — first month free
Jimmy and Sarah are AI sponsors who know the Twelve Steps and the Bible. They'll listen, walk the steps with you, and keep pointing you to real people: a meeting, a sponsor, a church.
Free to download · first month free, no card · adults 18+
After the first month, talking with Jimmy or Sarah needs Plus ($9.99/month or $59.99/year).
Get the daily reading by email
One short reading a day: a verse, a few honest words, one thing to do and a prayer. Unsubscribe any time.
We'll send one email to confirm. We never share your address.