September 3: Be Strong and Courageous

Tomorrow you’re meeting someone on your list. You’ve rehearsed it a dozen times in your head. Your heart is racing already. Can you really do this?

Joshua was about to lead a whole nation into a land full of enemies. Moses was gone. The weight was on him now. And God told him three times in a row to be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed. I am with you wherever you go.

God didn’t say there was nothing to be afraid of. He said He’d be there. That’s different. Courage isn’t the absence of fear. It’s acting while afraid, because you know you’re not alone.

A first amends is scary. You’re walking into a conversation you can’t control. They might be angry. They might cry. They might not accept it. You might stumble over your words. All of that is possible.

Preparation helps a lot. Talk it through with your sponsor first. Know what you’ll say. Keep it short and simple. Admit what you did. Don’t explain or justify. Don’t bring up what they did. Ask if there’s anything you can do to make it right. Then listen.

It helps to rehearse out loud. Say it to your sponsor, or say it to an empty chair. Hearing yourself say it once takes away some of the fear.

Pray before you go in. A short one is fine. “God, be with me. Help me say this right. Help them hear it.” Then go.

And remember what Step Nine is for. You’re not going in to feel better. You’re going in to make something right for them. That takes some of the pressure off. You don’t need a good outcome. You need to do your part honestly.

God told Joshua He’d be with him wherever he went. That includes the coffee shop, the front porch, the phone call. He’s going in with you.

One thing today

Write down exactly what you’ll say in your first amends, in four or five sentences. Read it out loud to your sponsor or to God.

A prayer

Lord, I’m scared. Be with me tomorrow like You were with Joshua. Make me strong and courageous. Help me do my part honestly, and leave the rest to You. Amen.

The Step Nine page explains how to prepare for an amends.

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