If you’re not familiar with the early story of Alcoholics Anonymous, it’s often said that the ideas behind the Twelve Steps were shaped by the Oxford Group—a gathering of Christian men committed to honesty, confession, restitution, and surrender. Bill Wilson, one of AA’s founders, was deeply influenced by them. But today’s devotional isn’t about the origins of AA. It’s about a man named Rowland Hazard, whose struggle with alcoholism led him to seek help from the famed psychiatrist Carl Jung in the early 1930s.

After extensive treatment, Jung told Hazard something that sounds harsh but is deeply honest: his condition was hopeless from a medical standpoint. His only hope, Jung said, was a spiritual experience—a profound awakening that would transform him from the inside out. That realization eventually shaped the foundation of AA itself. Hazard’s spiritual awakening, experienced through the Oxford Group, was shared with Bill Wilson, and from that encounter the Twelve Steps were born.

Let’s sit with that for a moment. Because in my own journey—through recovery, sobriety, homelessness, fear, doubt, and a faith crisis—I had to face the same truth: everything was utterly hopeless until I had a spiritual awakening. Some call it “hitting bottom.” But I’ve come to see it as the moment the Holy Spirit reveals Christ to us in a way the intellect alone could never reach.

Today, many try to think their way into faith. They know about God but never come to know God Himself. And that brings us to the heart of today’s message: What does it mean to truly know God—and Jesus Christ whom He has sent? (John 17:3)

Our anchor verse is Isaiah 1:18–20, where God invites us to “come and reason together.”

Come now, let us argue it out, says the Lord: if your sins are like scarlet, will they become like snow? If they are red like crimson, will they become like wool? If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land, but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

This is not an intellectual debate—it is an invitation to examine our hearts, our wounds, our failures, and our inability to save ourselves. It is a call to return, to be still, and to know that He is God.

Today, we explore what it means to know Christ, to know the Father, and to know who we truly are through a genuine spiritual awakening.

We are continuing our devotional series where we are delving into A. W. Tozer’s book The Set of the Sail. Throughout this engaging exploration, our focus centers not only on the message of how The Lord Giveth Knowledge but also on the profound implications this wisdom holds for many of us walking a path of recovery. We are learning to thrive in sobriety, navigating the challenges that life presents us while embracing the strength of our newfound clarity. This journey requires an unwavering commitment as we walk in a way that exemplifies the victory we have received, having overcome our addictions, healed from our past hurts, reformed our detrimental habits, and addressed our hangups. As we reflect on Tozer’s insights, we uncover the transformative power of knowledge granted by the Lord, which serves as a guiding light, illuminating our path and empowering us to live a life that is not only free but also filled with purpose and joy. Each day, we are inspired to seek deeper understanding and application of these teachings, fostering an environment of growth and support within our community.

Devotional Message

A.W. Tozer reminds us, “We cannot know God by thinking, but we must do a lot of thinking if we would know Him well.” This paradox captures the tension many Christians feel—especially those in recovery. We attempt to reason our way into transformation, yet Scripture tells us that true knowledge of God is revealed, not achieved. Jesus Himself said, “No one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him” (Matthew 11:27). Knowing God begins with revelation, not intellect.

Tozer goes further: “The things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.” This echoes Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 2:11. Our minds can grasp facts about God, but only the Spirit can awaken us to the living reality of Christ. This is why so many Christians feel stuck—they know the doctrines, but they have not yet encountered the God those doctrines point to. Spiritual awakening is not emotional hype; it is the Spirit illuminating the heart.

Isaiah 1:18 invites us to “reason together,” but Tozer clarifies that reason is only the doorway. “What began as an appeal to reason ends in a spiritual experience wholly above reason.” God engages our minds so He can reach our wills. When the will responds in repentance and obedience, the Spirit reveals Christ to the inner man. This is why surrender is the hinge of transformation.

To know God, biblically, is not to know about Him but to experience Him. Tozer writes, “It is an unmediated awareness experienced by the soul on a plane too high for the mind to reach.” This aligns with Psalm 34:8: “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” You cannot taste with your intellect. You must taste with your life—your surrender, your trust, your obedience. Experiencing God requires that we step beyond mere intellectual agreement and engage deeply with Him in the nitty-gritty of our daily experiences.

God desires that our whole being—mind, heart, will—be engaged in knowing Him. Tozer emphasizes that “Christian experience should embrace the entire personality.” This holistic approach to faith reminds us that our relationship with God is not simply about understanding biblical texts or adhering to doctrines but about fostering a vibrant connection that transforms our every layer of existence. This is why Jesus commands us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). We are invited into a relationship that animates us from the depths of our souls to the surface of our actions, thereby enriching our connection with Him and with others.

Under the Spirit’s illumination, Tozer asserts that the Christian can become “a man of God and a light to his generation.” This is the fruit of knowing God—not perfection, but radiance. Not survival but thriving. As Paul writes, “With unveiled faces we behold the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image” (2 Corinthians 3:18). Spiritual awakening is not merely the cessation of strife; it is a profound beginning—a dynamic process through which our lives become a canvas for Christ’s grace.

As we continue this journey of engagement, it is pivotal to understand that spiritual awakening manifests in tangible ways. It cultivates qualities such as resilience, compassion, and humility, equipping us to face life’s challenges and discomforts with a renewed perspective. Each step taken in faith is an invitation to embody the love and light of Christ, not only for ourselves but for the world around us. Spiritual awakening is not the end—it is the beginning of a life shaped by the presence of Christ, a transformative journey that beckons us toward deeper communion with our Creator and clearer reflections of His glory to those we encounter along the way.

Recovery Focus

Recovery begins where self‑reliance ends. Rowland Hazard discovered this, and so do we. Tozer’s words echo Step One: “The intellect can know God’s attributes… but the knowledge of God is for the spirit alone.” You can understand addiction, trauma, codependency, and fear intellectually—but healing requires a spiritual encounter. Psalm 51:17 says, “A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” Brokenness becomes the doorway to awakening.

Many in recovery try to “think” their way out of addiction or trauma. This intellectual approach often falls short, as Tozer warns that the mind alone cannot grasp God because “God’s nature is of another kind.” This highlights the limitations of purely cognitive efforts in addressing deep-seated issues. This is why Jesus told Nicodemus, “You must be born again” (John 3:7). Recovery is not behavior modification—it is rebirth. It is the Spirit doing for us what we cannot do for ourselves.

Tozer notes that some philosophers concluded God must be unknowable. However, he counters this notion with hope: “When God desires, He can and does reveal Himself to men.” This assertion forms the cornerstone of our understanding of recovery. God reveals Himself to the desperate, the homeless, the anxious, the ashamed, and the addicted. Psalm 34:18 promises, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted.” Therefore, your brokenness is not a barrier; it is an invitation to connect with the divine.

Recovery requires honesty, and Tozer affirms that the Spirit reveals God “to the spirit of man, not to his intellect merely.” This profound insight underscores the importance of emotional and spiritual authenticity in the healing process. This is why Step Four (moral inventory) and Step Five (confession) are so powerful. James 5:16 emphasizes this by stating, “Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” Healing flows where honesty lives; when one allows vulnerability to surface, it paves the way for transformative experiences.

Tozer emphasizes that Christian experience involves the moral and rational life as well. Recovery is not anti‑intellectual; it is integrated. Romans 12:2 calls us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This renewal is not merely cognitive; it encompasses the whole being, addressing heart, mind, and spirit. The Spirit awakens the heart, but He also reshapes the mind—rewiring patterns, renewing identity, and restoring dignity. This holistic transformation allows individuals to move beyond their pasts, fostering a sense of hope and new possibility.

Finally, Tozer says the Spirit‑illuminated believer becomes “a light to his generation.” This is the recovery promise: not merely sobriety, but purpose. Not merely surviving but thriving. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). Your recovery journey is not just for you—it becomes a beacon for others still lost in the storm. As you embrace your healing, the impact of your transformation radiates outward, encouraging and inspiring those around you to navigate their own paths toward recovery and wholeness. Your story of resilience and hope can serve as a guiding light, illuminating the way for others seeking solace and healing amidst their struggles. Through this lens, recovery is not an isolated endeavor, but a communal journey that fosters connection and support among individuals facing similar battles.

Wisdom & Grace

Wisdom begins with humility. A profound truth encapsulated by Tozer, who writes, “The Spirit reveals God to the spirit of man.” This powerful statement underscores that wisdom is not something we accumulate through our own efforts or cleverness; rather, it is a precious gift that is received. The Book of Proverbs, in Chapter 9, Verse 10, further emphasizes this idea by stating, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” This fear is not a cringing terror but a reverent awe of God that leads to genuine surrender. This understanding shifts our perception of wisdom from a mere intellectual pursuit to a pathway of spiritual growth and relational intimacy with the Creator.

Grace, on the other hand, is defined as God doing for us what we cannot do for ourselves. Tozer reminds us that “the world by wisdom knew not God,” highlighting the stark contrast between human wisdom and divine insight. Indeed, human wisdom, no matter how esteemed, cannot lead to salvation. In contrast, the Epistle of Titus, Chapter 2, Verse 11 proclaims, “The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all.” This grace is entirely God’s initiative—an unmerited favor that we cannot earn through our achievements or goodness. It is a reminder of God’s relentless pursuit of humanity, demonstrating love and compassion despite our shortcomings.

Tozer eloquently summarizes that Christian faith “contemplates creation, redemption, righteousness, sacred history, and the destiny of mankind.” This perspective fosters a compelling narrative where grace becomes the foundation of a new story for us to inhabit. As articulated in Ephesians 2:10, we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works.” Wisdom plays a crucial role in teaching us our identity in Christ, guiding us to understand who we are in His eyes; grace, in turn, empowers us to live out this calling with confidence and boldness.

Furthermore, wisdom also equips us to discern the false narratives that often plague our minds—those of shame, fear, and unworthiness that can easily ensnare the human heart. Tozer insightfully notes that God’s truth “yields rich treasures to prayerful meditation.” This meditation on Scripture allows us to navigate life with clarity and purpose. Psalm 119:105 poignantly states, “Your word is a lamp to my feet.” In essence, grace illuminates our path, while wisdom instructs us on how to walk it faithfully.

For me, grace is not a passive force. Tozer suggests that the believer can grow into “a sage, a doctor of divine things.” This path is not rooted in arrogance; rather, it represents spiritual maturity. Hebrews 5:14 highlights that the mature “have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice.” In this way, grace actively trains us, while wisdom fortifies our understanding and discernment, enabling us to navigate complexities with integrity and faithfulness.

Ultimately, it is the beautiful interplay between wisdom and grace that leads us into a deeper intimacy with God. Tozer’s final reminder resonates profoundly: “We cannot know God by thinking alone, but we can never know Him well without a lot of hard thinking.” Grace awakens our hearts and souls to the divine, while wisdom deepens our understanding of His character and ways. Together, they guide us into the abundant life that Jesus promised in John 10:10—a life rich in purpose, joy, and profound connection with our Creator. As we embrace both wisdom and grace, we find ourselves transformed, equipped to reflect the light of Christ in a world desperately in need of hope and truth.

Acrostic – S.P.I.R.I.T.U.A.L

I know there are some who may cringe at the word “spiritual” or “spirituality”. Maybe even cringe against the phrase: “having a spiritual awakening”. However, it’s important to consider that spirituality can mean different things to different people, and it doesn’t always have to align with traditional religious views. Here’s the simple truth – when we articulate the idea of having a genuine and real spiritual awakening, or use terms like spiritual and spirituality, it all points to a crucial aspect of secular society and culture: the focus on a person to recognize, explore, and define their own personal Higher Power. This introspective journey can lead individuals to a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world.

Regarding Christians walking a path of recovery, or those struggling with any issues in life, our focus is the reality that Christ is our higher power. This acknowledgment can provide immense comfort and strength. All Christian principles, truths, and scripture guide us toward Him – our true north, reminding us that we are never alone in our struggles and that the love and grace of Christ can illuminate even the darkest paths we may encounter. Embracing this relationship enriches our spiritual journey, allowing us to build resilience and hope as we navigate life’s challenges. And having a true spiritual awakening is the Holy Spirit coming in and revealing to us our present and awful condition and situation – drawing us toward Christ for redemption, forgiveness, salvation, and empower us to enter into a relationship where we find rest.

Today, we explore this through the Acrostic – S.P.I.R.I.T.U.A.L as part of our devotional message.

S — Surrender: Anchor Verse: Luke 9:23 – Surrender is the doorway to spiritual awakening. It is the moment we stop fighting God and stop trusting ourselves. Jesus calls us to deny ourselves and follow Him (Luke 9:23). Surrender is not weakness—it is alignment. It is the posture that allows grace to flow freely.

P — Presence: Anchor Verse: Psalm 16:11 – God’s presence is the healing environment of the soul. We cannot thrive without dwelling in Him. Psalm 16:11 says, “In Your presence there is fullness of joy.” Presence is not a feeling—it is a reality we enter by faith. Recovery deepens as we learn to abide.

I — Illumination: Anchor Verse: Psalm 43:3 – The Spirit illuminates what the mind cannot grasp. Tozer says the Spirit reveals God “to the spirit of man.” Illumination is God’s light breaking into our darkness. Psalm 43:3 says, “Send out Your light and Your truth; let them lead me.” Illumination leads to transformation. Anchor Verse: Psalm 43:3

R — Renewal: Anchor Verse: Romans 12:2 – Renewal is the ongoing work of the Spirit reshaping our minds and hearts. Romans 12:2 calls us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Renewal breaks old patterns and forms new ones. It is slow, steady, and supernatural. Renewal is the evidence of awakening.

I — Identity – Anchor Verse: 1 John 3:1 – Identity is restored when we come to know God. Tozer says true knowledge of God leads to true knowledge of self. 1 John 3:1 declares that we are children of God. Recovery requires a new identity rooted in Christ, not shame. Identity is the foundation of thriving.

T — Trust: Anchor Verse: Proverbs 3:5–6– Trust is faith in motion. Proverbs 3:5–6 calls us to trust in the Lord with all our heart. Trust is built through experience, not theory. As we see God’s faithfulness, trust becomes natural. Trust moves us from fear to freedom.

U — Understanding: Anchor Verse: Psalm 119:130 – Understanding is the fruit of walking with God. Psalm 119:130 says, “The unfolding of Your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.” Understanding is not intellectual mastery—it is spiritual clarity. It helps us discern God’s will and reject lies. Understanding stabilizes the soul.

A — Awakening: Anchor Verse: Ephesians 5:14 – Awakening is the moment the Spirit reveals Christ to us. It is the turning point of recovery and faith. Ephesians 5:14 says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Awakening brings hope, clarity, and purpose. It is the beginning of thriving.

L — Life: Anchor Verse: John 10:10 Jesus came that we might have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10). Life in Christ is not survival—it is flourishing. It is joy, peace, purpose, and transformation. Life is the fruit of spiritual awakening. Life is the gift God longs to give.

Thoughtful Reflection

Spiritual awakening is not a mystical event reserved for the spiritually elite—it is the birthright of every believer who comes to God in humility. It is the moment when the Spirit reveals Christ not as an idea, but as a living reality. This awakening becomes the foundation for recovery, healing, and transformation. It is where survival ends and thriving begins.

As you reflect on your own journey, consider where you have relied on intellect instead of revelation. Where have you tried to fix yourself instead of surrendering to the One who heals? Where have you known about God but not truly known Him? These questions are not meant to condemn but to invite you deeper.

Ask yourself:

• What part of my life needs surrender?
• Where is God inviting me into deeper trust?
• What lies about my identity need to be replaced with truth?
• What step of obedience is the Spirit prompting me to take?

Spiritual awakening is not a one‑time event—it is a lifelong unfolding. As you walk with Christ, He will continue to reveal Himself, reshape you, and lead you into the abundant life He promised.

Call to Action – James 1:22

Today, take a moment of reflection. Examine yourself and see if you have attempted to come to know about God through intellectual assent or if you’ve truly come to know Him through a real personal experience. It is essential to differentiate between a mere acknowledgment of His existence and a deep, transformative relationship that shapes our lives. This journey of faith is not merely an academic pursuit but a heartfelt quest for understanding and connection.

Remember what Christ said to Peter when he asked – whom do you say that I am? This moment was pivotal, as it distinguishes between knowledge about Christ and the revelation of His true nature. When Peter responded, Thou art the Christ, Son of the Living God – the Savior responded, Blessed thou Peter, Simon of Barjona for flesh and blood hath not revealed this unto you but My father which is in heaven (Matthew 16:13-18). This exchange highlights a crucial truth: true understanding of God comes not from human wisdom but from divine revelation.

We are blessed to come to know who Jesus Christ is by revelation that comes through the Holy Spirit. This gift allows us to see and understand the profound mysteries of faith that would otherwise remain hidden. As Paul writes, no one is able to confess Christ is Lord except through the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3). Thus, it is vital to seek the Holy Spirit earnestly, allowing Him to guide us toward a deeper relationship with Christ.

As you reflect today, consider the ways in which you have encountered God in your own life. Have there been moments of clarity and realization that felt beyond mere understanding? Embrace the truth that your personal experiences with Him can lead to a richer faith. Allow the Holy Spirit to work within you, opening your heart and mind to the fullness of God’s love and the reality of His presence. It is through these encounters that our faith is deepened and transformed, guiding us to live in accordance with His will.