Step 4: “Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.”
Devotion: Courage: Letting God Use the Truth
Honesty tells the truth. Courage faces it. Willingness releases control.
Step 4 is not complete when the inventory is finished—it is complete when we become willing for God to do something with what we have uncovered. Willingness means we stop deciding what God is allowed to touch.
This is where freedom begins to form.
Willingness says, “I don’t fully understand this yet, but I trust You.”
It is the posture that prepares us for Steps 5 and beyond.
We are no longer clinging to old identities, old defenses, or old fears. We are placing our whole story—clearly seen—into God’s hands.
Nothing is wasted when surrendered.
Bible Example:
When Isaiah encountered God’s holiness, he saw himself clearly and confessed,
“Woe to me! I am undone.”
But God did not leave him there. After cleansing him, God asked, “Whom shall I send?” Isaiah responded, “Here am I. Send me.”
Willingness followed honesty—and freedom followed both.
Reflection Questions:
1. Where am I still trying to control outcomes instead of trusting God?
2. What does willingness look like for me as I move beyond Step 4?
Prayer:
Father, God, I place my whole story in Your hands. What I understand and what I don’t. Make me willing to be changed, healed, and led. Use this truth for freedom and purpose. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.
Action Step:
Review your completed inventory prayerfully. Thank God for what has been revealed. Prepare your heart for Step 5, remembering: Freedom follows honesty when it is surrendered.
Bible Scripture to consider
Isaiah 6:5, 8
“Woe is me, for I am undone… for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.”
Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”\
