Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood God.
Letting Go and Trusting the Process
Step Three builds on the hope and trust established in Step Two by asking us to make an active decision: to turn our will and lives over to a Higher Power, as we personally understand it. This step is about surrendering control and placing faith in a process or power that can guide us toward healing.
For many, the idea of “turning over” our will can feel daunting. It’s natural to want to hold on to control, especially when life feels uncertain. However, addiction thrives on self-will run riot—when we try to manage everything ourselves, often driven by fear, anger, or pride. Step Three invites us to step away from this struggle and to trust in something greater.
This decision doesn’t mean abandoning responsibility or becoming passive. Instead, it’s about aligning our actions with principles of honesty, humility, and love. It’s a commitment to follow a path of recovery, trusting that this path will lead to greater peace and fulfilment.
The phrase “as we understood Him” is crucial here. It reminds us that spirituality is personal and flexible. Your Higher Power could be God, the universe, the group, or simply the values of love, compassion, and integrity. What matters is that you find a source of guidance that feels meaningful and supportive to you.
For GBTQ+ individuals, this step can be a chance to reclaim spirituality. Many of us have been told we don’t belong in certain faith communities or that our identities are incompatible with spiritual growth. Step Three offers a new perspective: that we are worthy of care, guidance, and love, exactly as we are.
Making this decision is not a one-time event. It’s an ongoing process, repeated daily through prayer, meditation, or conscious intention. Each time we let go of self-centred thinking or trust in the support of others, we are practising Step Three.
Questions for reflection in Step Three include:
- What fears or resistance do you feel about turning your will and life over?
- What qualities would you like to see in a Higher Power?
- How can you begin to practise trust and surrender in your daily life?
Step Three is a leap of faith that sets the tone for the rest of the journey. It teaches us to trust, to let go, and to believe in the possibility of a life guided by care and love.