195. Are You Ready for Change?

195. Are You Ready for Change?

Curious about how others manage the turning point between staying stuck and stepping into change? This episode of *Hope in Recovery* focuses on that exact moment, as Andy Petry talks through what it might mean to be genuinely ready for change in a Christ-centred recovery journey.

Andy introduces himself as a grateful believer in Jesus who wrestles with anxiety, depression, sexual addiction and grief, and shares that he’s celebrating ten years of sobriety while still working through the loss of his dad. His honesty sets the tone: recovery isn’t a one-and-done event, it keeps unfolding as God reveals new areas that need attention.

As Andy puts it, "God never brings relief before he brings awareness." Using the story of the man with leprosy in Mark 1, Andy unpacks what readiness can look like: awareness of how hurts, hang-ups and habits are actually damaging life, movement towards help rather than staying in isolation, and a posture of humility.

The leper’s plea, "If you are willing, you can make me clean," becomes a model for honest, specific prayer about addiction, grief, pornography, alcohol, relationships and more. Andy talks about how crisis can push people out of the status quo, why breaking isolation is essential, and how pride and self-reliance clash with healing. He compares talking with Jesus to speaking with a doctor: the more specific you are about where it hurts, the more meaningful the help.

He reminds you that Jesus’ heart is "filled with compassion" and that Christ isn’t afraid of the mess, but reaches toward the darkest, most shame-filled parts of a person’s life. This episode is aimed at anyone dealing with habits, hurts or hang-ups who wonders if they’re truly ready for change, especially those connected with Celebrate Recovery or curious about faith-based support.

It might leave you asking: are you willing to move, break isolation and let Jesus into the places you’d rather keep hidden?