Moses has a Spiritual Experience — Step 12

STEP 12. Having had a spiritual experience as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore them gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Galatians 6:1

Moses had quite the spiritual experience. He was just tending to a flock of sheep when God appeared to him in a burning bush.

 “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Exodus 3:5 (NIV)

God had a very important mission for Moses. He wanted Moses to lead the Israeli people out of slavery and bring them to the promised land, but Moses was afraid and didn’t believe he was worthy for such a task. God finally convinced Moses that he was the right person. Moses not only accomplished this mission for God, but he lead the Israeli people for many decades and is considered one of the most important prophets as well as a founding principle of the Jewish and Christian faith.

This can be so much like us and our 12^th Step. Our spiritual experiences might be a bit more subtle than a burning bush, but God is calling us to spread our experience, strength, and hope with others who are suffering from addiction or compulsive behaviors and their family members. Like Moses, sometimes we might not think we are worthy of this task, but God has created us to be uniquely qualified to help others. There is power in sharing the message and God can give us the strength. Just like Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt, we can lead other addicts and their family members out of suffering with the 12^th Step.

There are some in the program who believe that you must work all the other steps first before you will have the spiritual experience necessary to work this step, but look at Moses. God touched his life before Moses was even ready to take the other steps. His spiritual experience came first. This is so much like one of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, Bill W., who had a spiritual experience before his recovery even began. Many have said they too have had a spiritual experience in the first three steps. Realizing God can save us from our unmanageable life and turning it all over to Him is very spiritually moving!

Moses’ Key Verse for Step 12

And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.” (NIV)

 Examine your heart

1. What spiritual experiences have you had that reinforce your faith in God?
2. Are there times you feel unworthy to carry this message to others? How can God and this group help you?
3. What are some 12 Step activities you have done? Where have you shared this message to others?

Learn More

This story of Moses is contained in Chapter 3 of Exodus and continues throughout the remainder of that book. The book of Exodus is located on page 77 in the second edition of The Life Recovery Bible and contains valuable recovery themes such as Deliverance from Slavery; God Hears the Helpless, God Uses Broken People, and God’s Program. We also recommend you read the first chapter of The Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous. This is Bill’s Story and includes his first spiritual experience as well as other recovery insights from one of the founders of the 12 Step Program.