Acts of the Apostles 1:1–11 and Recovery
The passage from Acts of the Apostles 1:1–11 offers several key moral and spiritual lessons for Christians—and for those walking the path of recovery from alcoholism.
At its heart, this Scripture reveals a profound truth: the Christian life—and recovery—is full of opposites held in tension.
- Act, but surrender.
- Be determined, but not controlling.
- Be hopeful, but not demanding.
- Be still, but not passive.
This is the spiritual maturity that both Scripture and the AA program guide us toward.
1. Faith in God’s Timing
“It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority.”
Jesus reminds the apostles—and us—that not everything is for us to know. Trusting in God's timing is a central Christian virtue, especially when outcomes are uncertain.
In recovery, this speaks directly to the struggle with impatience—a trait many of us in AA identify with. Personally, my “Determination” (one of the 6 Ds that characterized my alcoholism) drove me to control outcomes at all costs. Even when my intentions were focused on achievement, I was often blind to the psychological harm I was inflicting on those closest to me.
This verse invites surrender—not of action, but of control over timing. It’s a spiritual antidote to the “self-will run riot” that AA warns about.
2. Don’t Just Stand There—Act
“Why are you standing there looking at the sky?”
This gentle rebuke from the angels reminds believers not to be passive. Faith must lead to action—living out the Gospel, building community, and serving others.
In recovery, this is one of the many counterbalances we must manage. While we surrender the outcome and its timing to God, we are still called to act. Not with frantic, adrenaline-fueled urgency, but with purposeful, grounded action.
A paradox we often face in recovery is the need to act without clinging to the outcome. In AA, this is echoed in the principle of “doing the next right thing” and letting go of the results.
MAP: SURRENDER
About Jason Bresnehan
Jason is the founder of Evahan, a consultancy dedicated to helping individuals and organizations build both financial and legacy wealth. With over 30 years of leadership across sectors and continents, he brings commercial acumen, strategic insight, and lived experience to every engagement. His work spans business transformation, venture management, and M&A, always grounded in a belief that ideas—shared with clarity, balance, and respect—can improve individuals, families, communities, and society.
A strong advocate for freedom, limited government, and enterprise-driven progress, Jason also draws deeply from his personal recovery journey—an experience that reshaped his life and fuels his commitment to growth, contribution, and principled living. Through writing, speaking, and service, he continues to learn, share, and speak with purpose.
I can be engaged (on a remunerated or volunteer basis) to sit on Boards, Committees, Advisory and Reference Group Panels, and to speak to Business, Community, and Youth groups. I’m also open to providing comment to media on topics where I have relevant experience or insight. Please feel free to make contact.