Hope for Recovery: A 7-Day Plan for Those in RecoverySample

Day 4: Make a Mandate

Every organization in existence has a mandate statement. They may call it something different, like a mission or vision statement, or they may wrap it up in box and call it their core values, but however they describe it, they have a short, easy-to-remember statement they live by, something that guides them toward their end goal.

So if millions of companies and individuals have statements that drive them each and every day, it makes sense that those of us actively working to change our lives completely could use one! Our mandates are yet another reinforcing element we must mix into the new strong foundation we are pouring. This critical piece to puzzle should represent the core of who you are.

Your mandate can be something like “I will not use, no matter what.” This can be a barrier that will help you in the moments of ultimate temptation. Maybe that’s what you need, a statement that clarifies what you can NOT do.

Or maybe you respond more strongly to a mandate like, “Today I choose to live clean because I am worth it!” This can be a reminder that helps you keep your focus on what’s healthiest for you physically and emotionally.

Or how about this: “God is not in love with a future version of me—He loves me as I am and will never leave my side.” This is a wonderful mandate for those of us who need to be reminded frequently about where we stand spiritually in the light of Christ.

Your mandate is up to you, because your recovery is yours! Build your mandate out of words of action, words that motivate you, words that remind you of where you’ve been and where you want to go. Invite the Holy Spirit into the process of determining your mandate so that it’s personal and effective and fits you. And then hold that mandate in front of you day and night.

Pray:

God, I pray you will embolden me to create and live out this mandate on my life. Help me to embrace it and to recite it and use it often. I know that there are times when I try to get outside of your plan for my life. So I pray this statement will help act as rudder that steers me back in line with you. I commit this mandate to you, praying you will bless it mightily. Your word says I can do all things through your son who provides me strength. So I ask that you please give me the strength I need to live out my mandate today. In your name I pray, Amen.