When trauma leaves its mark, it often feels impossible to move past the pain. In my years as a physician—especially the last ten spent in a mental health facility—I’ve heard countless stories of suffering and injustice. A common thread runs through them: the struggle to move forward when life feels deeply unfair.
I know this struggle personally. For years, my own sense of injustice fueled addiction and pushed me away from my Creator. I didn’t consciously dwell on these thoughts, but they shaped how I saw myself. And I wasn’t alone—many Christians walk this same path.
Wrestling With Injustice
We all want life to feel fair. When it doesn’t, we either question God’s goodness or grow restless and turn to soothing behaviors—behaviors that often become addictions.
Even in Scripture, this tension is clear:
- In the Garden of Eden, the choice to eat from the tree wasn’t just about becoming like God—it was about seeking rules and worthiness.
- In Job’s story, we’re reminded that only God sees the full picture and remains in control.
The truth is this: we can’t earn God’s unconditional love. Jesus already cleared the path for us.
Shifting Perspective Through Post-Traumatic Growth
Post-Traumatic Growth in recovery means learning to see life through a different lens. Instead of demanding fairness or trying to control outcomes, we hand that role back to our Heavenly Father.
That shift frees us to:
- Use the gift of free will to choose our next steps.
- Focus on the positive aspects of our lives.
- Seek out new possibilities in recovery instead of merely surviving.
By listening to the gentle whispers of the Holy Spirit—rather than the noise of advertising or social media—we begin to discern God’s will for our lives.
Living One Day at a Time
Many of us get stuck waiting for God to reveal the full blueprint of our lives before moving forward. But Scripture teaches a different way.
- The psalmist reminds us that God’s Word is “a lamp unto my feet”—not a floodlight. It shows the next step, not the whole path.
- The 12-step tradition echoes this wisdom: live “one day at a time.” For nearly 90 years, it has guided people to walk in daily faith and trust.
Resigning as the “manager of the universe” is one of the most freeing decisions we can make. When we do, we create space for God to grow us into His will—and open doors to new possibilities.
At The Dunamis Initiative, we believe Post-Traumatic Growth is a God-given path from surviving to thriving. Our Christian 12-step book, The Dunamis Effect, is designed to help individuals break free from addiction, explore new possibilities, and live with renewed hope. Learn more here.
More on Post-Traumatic Growth
This post is part of our series on Post-Traumatic Growth in recovery. Explore the other domains of PTG and how they can transform your journey:
- New Possibilities → How recovery can open doors you never imagined. (You are here.)
- Relating to Others → Finding your tribe and building authentic community.
- Personal Strength → Discovering courage and resilience after trauma.
- Spiritual Change → Growing closer to God through surrender and faith.
- Appreciation of Life → Learning to value each day as a gift.
Additional Resources
Want to explore more about Post-Traumatic Growth and recovery? Check out these trusted resources:
Featured Resource
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