Conditions of the Day

Then, in Step Seven, we humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings such as He could or would under the conditions of the day we asked. ~ Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Alcoholics Anonymous, page 108

When could God not remove shortcomings?
Omniscient, competent without limit,
the source. But faithful to rules —
his own. I am not a puppet,
not manipulated, free to choose.
Even if I say, “I am now willing”
but take it back or deceive
he cannot, remaining faithful.
Would God decline to do what he could?
Perhaps. I may be willing, for real,
but lacking resources, inadequate to cope
without the crutch. An answer of yes,
not now. Another day.

step seven