A Letter from Dave
Dear 423 Communities Members and Friends,
Today, each one of us are confronted with a decision. If we wish to live without regret, we must make the right one.
No one knows how the COVID-19 crisis will evolve. We can choose to see this epidemic as a massive inconvenience, an unwelcome intruder in our otherwise predictable way of life, and, of course, a frightening social and financial hardship.
Or, we can view this disruption as a wonderful opportunity to rely upon God and live in a brand-new way. Unquestionably, God is in control and we may safely trust His providential care and protection. We are navigating uncertain waters together with every other single human being, and our individual decisions will have lasting, even eternal, impact.
It’s time to exhibit a little faith.
There is no need to rouse Jesus and cry in fear, “Master, Master, we are perishing” as the disciples did when they thought their boat would sink in the dark, turbulent waters of the Galilean Sea.
“And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was calm. He said to them, ‘Where is your faith?’”
We cannot see the future, but we can have confidence in One who can. We must decide to trust what we cannot see and adjust our lives accordingly. It’s time to take on a purpose-posture and discover our role in the unknown changes which are rapidly unfolding before us. Of course, we already know the answer to the fundamental question of our souls. Jesus clarified every human’s purpose to a troubled legal expert:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Will I sacrificially share my dibs on the last of the toilet paper with people who perceive they need it more than me?
Will I ungrudgingly comply with the limitations of group meetings size in order to help stop the spread of coronavirus?
Will I voluntarily self-impose “social distancing” and teach by my example best practices for helping the elderly and immunocompromised?
Will I resist the temptation to become conspiratorial and blame the coronavirus crisis on the media, the Chinese, or those with a political agenda?
Will I obey the governing authorities who are doing their best to combat the spread of disease?
Will I muster confidence in a God who cares as the stock market falters, my 401 (k) account dwindles, and my retirement fund is jeopardized?
Will I gladly embrace an uncertain future with joy and graciously adapt to a new way of living?
423 Communities International is alive and well. We are doing recovery groups differently and are filled with a spirit of expectancy for the new and wonderful things God is doing in our midst:
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love him.”
Now, more than ever, we must stay connected. Addiction thrives in isolation and is heightened by fear. Satan will strike at the heart of all that is good and noble in the human race. It is time for real leaders to rise up and provide hope for the despairing and guidance for the lost.
423 men and women... This is our hour!
Dave Scriven, Executive Director, 423 Communities International
At 423 Communities International, our doors are open for business. We are still offering recovery options for those struggling with temptations and trauma around pornography, sexual fantasies, and addictive behaviors. Want more information? Click here: https://www.423communities.org/join.