CWSA - Step #1
CWSA - Step #1

Christians with Secret Addictions

Terry Hanna explains Step One of a Bible-based recovery journey, stressing the need to admit powerlessness over addiction and turn to God’s strength. The episode highlights spiritual warfare, the danger of denial, and the importance of community and faith-centred support in recovery.

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14:54•16 Aug 2026

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Step One: Admitting Powerlessness and Finding Strength in Faith

Episode Overview

Admitting powerlessness over addiction and unmanageable living is presented as the essential first step toward recovery.
Addiction is framed as both a mental illness and a spiritual battle, with the mind described as the key battleground.
Denial, pride, self-deception, and isolation are shown as major obstacles that keep people from seeking help.
Community, recovery meetings, and mutual support are highlighted as vital places to find acceptance, encouragement, and accountability.
Strength is said to come through weakness by relying on Jesus, prayer, and God’s power rather than self-will alone.

“In your powerlessness you'll find true power.”

How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? This episode of Christians with Secret Addictions focuses on Step One of a Bible-based 12-step journey and speaks directly to anyone feeling trapped, ashamed, or spiritually stuck. Host Terry Hanna lays out a clear starting point: admitting powerlessness over addiction and recognising that life has become unmanageable.

He explains addiction as both a mental illness and a spiritual battle, tying it to scriptures like Ephesians 6 and John 8 to show how “the battlefield is in our mind” and how Jesus is presented as “the light that leads to life.” You’ll hear Terry contrast the power of Satan and the demons of darkness with the greater power of God, stressing that “this battle is not yours. It’s mine.

And it’s already won.” He shares how denial, pride, blame, and isolation act as “cloaks of self-deception” that keep people stuck, and why owning the problem is the first step towards freedom. The episode also highlights the importance of community and support groups. Terry reminds listeners that “we didn’t stumble into these meetings being honest, open-minded, and willing. We just wanted to get rid of our anguish,” stressing that recovery is a shared journey: “We know your heartache.

We’ve been there, and now we’re here to help you.” Drawing on stories of King Jehoshaphat and the apostle Paul, Terry shows how weakness can be the doorway to God’s strength: “When I am weak, then I am strong.” He encourages prayer, surrender, and practical action, like attending recovery meetings and walking alongside others seeking healing.

If you’ve ever thought, “I cannot do this, but maybe God can,” this step-focused message might be the nudge you need to admit the struggle and reach out for help. What could admitting powerlessness open up in your life today?

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